Camden council in London has renewed its licensing scheme for HMOs, extending it for a further five years until December 2030.
The decision follows a 10-week public consultation which the council claims showed strong support from residents and tenants for the scheme’s renewal – although in fact only 800 responses were received.
The council says a recent review found that 94% of licensed HMOs in Camden required work to meet suitable living standards, with the most common improvements relating to fire and electrical safety, damp and mould prevention, and cooking and washing facilities.
In 80% of cases the landlord either commenced or completed the works that were required to bring their property up to standard.
Changes to the extended scheme following the consultation include two-year licences for landlords where there are concerns about management or property condition and new conditions on waste management responsibilities.
A council spokesperson says: “With over a third of households in our borough privately renting, it’s crucial that we are able to help ensure that these homes meet decent standards of safety and management.
“Renewing our additional HMO licensing scheme means we can keep improving housing conditions, hold landlords to account, and protect the thousands of residents living in shared housing in Camden. Though, this isn’t just about enforcement – it’s about fairness, safety, and making sure everyone has a decent home.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today