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Haringey introduces borough-wide HMO licensing scheme
A north London council is to introduce a borough-wide licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Haringey Council’s cabinet approved the decision at a meeting last week.
The scheme will mean landlords renting a property to three or more people in two or more households will have to obtain a licence from the council at an early-bird cost of £500.
A smaller selective licensing scheme for non-HMOs for some parts of the borough was also approved.
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Emine Ibrahim, cabinet member of housing and estate renewal at Haringey Council, said: “Many residents live in HMOs across Haringey, and the council is committed to doing what it can to ensure that every resident has access to good-quality housing.
“This additional HMO licensing scheme will help ensure all HMOs in our borough are safe, well maintained and managed effectively.”
The council said the scheme would allow it to know who manages and owns HMOs in the borough and that the homes meet legal standards.
The first licensing scheme for private landlords was introduced by Newham Council in 2013, with a handful of other councils since setting up their own schemes.
A report published last month by the Chartered Institute of Housing said selective licensing schemes are an effective way for local authorities to improve housing conditions.
