Enfield council in North London is running a consultation on its proposals for a licensing scheme for small, shared HMOs in the borough.

In 2020, the Council introduced an additional HMO licensing scheme applying to shared houses that do not fall under the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme – this will end in August 2025.

Since the start of the current scheme, the council claims to have seen improvements in the quality and safety of HMOs. 

But it says: “However, there is still more to do to ensure improved HMO property standards and better protection for private renters. That’s why the council wants to continue the good work that has been achieved so far and propose a further additional HMO licensing scheme from 1 September 2025.”

A spokesperson adds: “Enfield, as with the rest of London, is in the midst of a housing crisis. With record numbers of people living in temporary accommodation and increasing numbers of families in crisis, there is an extreme shortage of housing within the borough. We know that it’s never been more important for the council to ensure that HMO properties provide safety and security to all residents.

“Our existing scheme has seen significant action taken to tackle poor standards in the private rented sector, and we know that many landlords provide well managed properties which do not cause issues for tenants or the wider community, for which we are grateful. However, Council officers continue to uncover renters living in unsuitable and often dangerous conditions; some of these are our most vulnerable residents.

“Supporting our most vulnerable residents is a number one priority for the council. That’s why we want to ensure that as many people as possible have the chance to take part, share their views and comment on our proposals.”

You can take part in the consultation by completing an online questionnaire by visiting www.enfield.gov.uk/hmo-consultation