Michael Gove grants permission for one of the UK’s largest licensing scheme

Soon, almost all landlords letting out a property in a London borough will be legally required to have a selective license.

The government has approved Brent council’s proposal to introduce borough-wide property licensing, expect for in the Wembley Park area. The scheme means that all private-rented single-household properties with a designated area of a borough are required to be licensed. This can cost landlords £700 which is split into two parts.

Brent have claimed that the aim of this project is to drive up living standards for renters and building on what it calls the council’s ‘positive relationships with private landlords.’

‘We are delighted that our proposal has been approved. It will be one of the largest selective licensing schemes in London,’ Cllr Promise Knight, cabinet member for housing, homelessness and renters security said. ‘It’s a major win for both renters and landlords. The scheme will massively improve the standard of living for private renters who make up half of all Brent residents. It will also give landlords and agents complete clarity on their responsibilities regarding property management and safety.’

Cllr Knight added: ‘Ata time when housing is at a crisis point across London, the introduction of selective licensing across Brent, with the exception of Wembley Park, will offer renters the assurance of security and safety when it comes to their home.’

‘Brent will continue to work in partnership with good professional landlords but has a zero-tolerance approach towards rogue landlords. Any rogue landlords in Brent should be on notice that this expansion means that there will be nowhere in Brent for them to hide.’

This particular scheme is London is expected to go live in Spring 2024.

Against this backdrop, Brent council have also licensed more HMOs than any other London borough and has one of the most proactive enforcement teams in London.

Images: Fred Moon and Dmitry Vechorko

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