Landlords and letting agents in Camden are warned that earlier in the week, new licensing rules were introduced.
Another 8,000 Properties in Camden Require Licensing
As of Tuesday 8th December, all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must be licensed in the London borough.
This scheme extends property licensing to around 8,000 homes and applies to all private rental accommodation shared by three or more people that are not related, even if they moved in together on a single tenancy.
The new scheme also includes Section 257 HMOs. These are properties that have been converted into self-contained flats, but do not comply with the relevant building regulations.
Camden Council has restricted the licensing of this type of HMO to properties where at least 50% of the flats are privately rented.
The scheme has been enforced in a bid to push up standards in the private rental sector.
When gathering evidence to support its plans, Camden environmental health officers visited 391 HMOs in the borough, rating 19% as very poor or poor in regard to property management and condition.
During its 22-week consultation, the council received 1,400 responses to its online survey – the majority (70%) were in favour of the proposed licensing scheme.
To obtain a license, landlords must complete an application form, supply various supporting documents and pass a fit and proper person test. The application fee per property is £450, plus an additional £45 for each separate letting, for example, a bedroom, bedsit or studio flat, within the property.
Landlords accredited by a scheme approved under the London Rental Standard will receive a £95 discount.
The council insists that every property now subject to licensing will be inspected.
More information can be found here: http://www.londonpropertylicensing.co.uk/camden