Property Licensing Scheme Consultation
Islington Council wants to improve conditions for tenants renting private accommodation, including flats and houses occupied by single families or households, and is proposing to introduce selective licensing to some wards within the borough.
This consultation has ended
| Start date | 23 December 2021 |
|---|---|
| End date | 27 March 2022 |
Why are we consulting on introducing these schemes?
The council recognises that there are many excellent landlords in Islington but there are also some landlords and letting agencies who are breaking the law and treating renters unfairly.
The council believes that introducing the new licensing schemes will:
- Improve the condition and safety of privately rented properties
- Make it easier to identify and take targeted action against bad landlords
- Provide a level playing field for good landlords who treat their tenants fairly
What is being proposed?
The re-designation of the existing selective licensing scheme operating in Finsbury Park ward to take into account the new ward boundaries and to extend selective licensing to (the new) Tollington and Hillrise wards. The council can implement this scheme without Secretary of State approval.
Why?
These areas have some of the highest number of complaints from private renters about property conditions in borough. Residents in these areas also experience high levels of antisocial behaviour, crime and deprivation. This means we can use property licensing to improve living conditions for all renters in these wards, and target our resources more effectively against the landlords and managing agents that deliberately do not want to comply with the law.
Find out more
Find out more and book your place at one of our online consultation information sessions:
- Tuesday 1 February 5pm to 6.30pm
- Wednesday 23 February 2022, 12noon to 1.30pm
- Monday 21 March 2022, 10am to 11.30am
Read the
Summary of the Consultation Document
If you need printed copies or would prefer to provide specific feedback, especially if you are a landlord or managing agent, please send your written comments by email to property.licensing@islington.gov.uk or post to Residential Environmental Health, Islington Council, 222 Upper Street London N1 1RE.
Have your say
Please tell us your views by completing our on-line feedback questionnaire.
What next?
When this consultation closes on 27 March 2022 we will start to consider feedback and publish analysis of the results.
If, following this consultation, the council’s joint board and executive committee decide to proceed with the schemes they will come into force early next year.
Summary information about the consultation
What is the council proposing and where?
To introduce a selective licensing scheme for the new wards of Tollington and Hillrise plus the re-designation of the existing scheme in Finsbury Park ward, to take into account the new ward boundaries.
This will cover all privately rented properties in those areas that are not HMOs covered by either the mandatory licensing scheme or the existing borough-wide additional licensing scheme. These properties can be houses or flats rented to either:
- A single person
- Two people sharing (regardless of their relationship to one another)
- Any number of persons forming a single household (family)
Ward Boundary changes
More information about the changes to the ward boundaries can be found on the Local Government Boundary Commission website.
Who are you consulting with?
Why is the council considering Selective Licensing?
The council considers that the introduction of a selective licensing scheme will:
- Improve the condition and safety of privately rented properties and protect the health and wellbeing of people living in them, particularly vulnerable people.
- Address the significant and persistent problems of anti-social behaviour that can be associated with some privately rented properties.
- Support the council’s wider work around housing, homelessness and anti-social behaviour.
- Help the council to target bad landlords and support the good ones.
- Encourage landlords to deal with irresponsible tenants.
- Help tenants to easily identify who is responsible for repairs to their home.
What will happen if a landlord does not apply for a licence?
How much would a licence cost the landlord?
For a house, a self-contained flat or non-self-contained flat the total licence fee will be £500 (accredited landlords £425).
Fees will be split into two parts. Part 1 of the fee is paid as part of the submission of the complete application, and part 2 is paid once a decision has been made that the licence applicant is a fit and proper person and the property is licensable. If the council refuses to grant a licence the part 2 fee will not be required to be paid. Full details of all the applicable fees are included in Appendix 2 of the main consultation and evidence document.
I’m a tenant of a property within the designated area for selective licensing. How will it affect me?
Officers from Islington Council may inspect the property to ensure the conditions are complied with, it is in a satisfactory condition and that any hazards present are appropriately addressed by your landlord.
This provides you with the reassurance that checks have been carried out to ensure that the property is of a suitable standard and suitable for occupation.
How can I find out more?
E: property.licensing@islington.gov.uk
T: 020 7527 3205