Southall landlords should check if a licence is needed
Mon 21 Feb 2022
The new private rented property licensing schemes will start from 1 April 2022. Landlords are advised to visit Ealing Council’s website to find out how the new schemes could affect their properties and ensure that they have the required documentation to make licence applications when the schemes start.
The previous property licensing schemes ended in December 2021. Public consultation was held with Ealing residents and landlords in the borough. Ealing approved a new additional Housing of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and selective licensing scheme at the end of 2021.
The additional HMO licensing scheme applies to every ward in the borough and covers all HMOs that are occupied by three or more persons in more than one household who share amenities like kitchens and bathrooms. Certain converted blocks of flats are also included in the scheme. The selective licensing scheme applies to all other privately let properties in the East Acton, Southall Broadway or Southall Green areas.
To assist landlords, the council will launch a new online application system that will enable landlords and agents to make multiple licence applications for the new schemes. Landlords will be urged to submit applications at the very start of the schemes to take advantage of a 25% discount on the licence fee in addition to further reductions for accredited landlords.
The number of people living in private rented properties in Ealing has nearly doubled in the last 10 years.
Ealing Council wants to ensure that private renters have access to safe, secure and decent homes. The long term aim is to raise standards within this growing housing sector and work with landlords to improve the quality of private rented accommodation available.
Councillor Shital Manro, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for good growth said, "The council increasingly rely on the private rented sector to house many residents across the borough, many of whom are vulnerable and on low incomes, and everyone has the right to come home to a safe and secure environment regardless of tenure."
"Our property licensing schemes help the council ensure that we continue to work well with our valued landlords by providing advice and support on standards that must be met, whilst taking a strong approach to tackling poor property conditions and raising standards in this valuable housing sector"
You can find out more about private rented property licensing in Ealing by visiting www.ealing.gov.uk/prslicensing.
The new additional HMO licensing fee from 1 April 2022 will be £1100 per HMO plus an additional £50 for each habitable room.
The new selective licencing fee from 1 April 2022 will be £750.
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