A councillor based in London has indicated that there is a direct relationship between licensed rental accommodation and a reduction in anti-social behaviour.
Harbi Farah, cabinet member for housing and welfare at Brent Council, also believes that selective licensing schemes also assist in improving safety levels, leading to sustainable tenancies.
Prosecutions
101 criminal prosecutions have been brought against landlords since Brent Council started its crackdown. Mr Farah feels this reflects the council’s no nonsense policy towards rogue investors.
Farah observed: ‘We hope that more than 100 prosecutions against rogue landlords in Brent send a clear message that rented properties in the borough need the correct licence.’
‘There is a link between licensed properties and a reduction in anti-social behaviour as well as a rise in sustainable tenancies and an increase in safety.’[1]
The latest prosecution from the council involved a fraudulent letting of a HMO.
Councillor believes licensed homes reduce risk of anti-social behaviour
HMOs
Mr Arthur Zurvskij was found guilty of subletting a property to seven tenants. Instead of obtaining a HMO licence, Mr Zurvskij rented out the property through Ludlow Thompson letting agency.
The owner of the property lived in the United States and legally gave control of the dwelling to the letting agency – believing it was to be rented out by a single family.
In the trial, the court heard that Mr Zurvskij had not got written consent from the landlord to rent out the property to more than one household. As a result, he was handed a £2,250 fine, while his company received a fine of £8,000.
An enforcement officer for Brent council said: ‘Breaching the law on HMO is very serious. If found guilty, the landlord or person in charge of the property is left with a criminal record. The potential fines are now unlimited’.
“This case should send out a warning to all landlords or companies subletting properties without the correct licence. If you are renting out a property to three or more people who are not all related, you need a HMO licence. It doesn’t matter if the property is in good condition, you still need a licence.’[1]
[1] https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2017/7/licensed-homes-reduces-anti-social-behaviour-claims-councillor