A council has made visits to 120 HMOs in just one day at the start of what it claims will be a coordinated crackdown on anti-social behaviour and unlicensed rental properties. 

Greenwich council officers from a range of disciplines – Environmental Health, Private Landlord Property Licensing, Waste Services, Parking Enforcement, Anti-Social Behaviour and Integrated Enforcement – worked with the Metropolitan Police to visit the properties in the Plumstead area.

This allegedly follows complaints from residents about noise, littering and illegal parking.

Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, in charge of enforcement, says: “The purpose of the day was to reassure residents that we are listening and truly do care about the issues they’re facing in their neighbourhoods.  

“We are particularly focused on unlicensed HMOsand the impact that some of these properties have on residents. 

“Properties of concern have been noted and they will be investigated.  

“We will continue to organise these intervention days in different areas to help reduce anti-social behaviour and environmental offences across the borough, helping residents feel safer.” 

During the operation the team noted fly-tips, properties which are believed to be unlicensed HMOs or rented properties which require a licence, and properties where there might be drug-related activities. 

A statement from the Labour-controlled council says: “All these incidents are taken seriously and will be dealt with by the council or police as appropriate.”