Licensing scheme to be extended to properties with fewer tenants

Landlords renting to three or more tenants from different households now need licence

February 22, 2022

Ealing Council is making it more expensive to be a landlord under plans to improve living standards in the borough.

It says it wants to regulate private landlords who rent out bedsits and shared houses by charging them more for licences. Under the plans, more landlords will also have to apply for the licences.

Ealing’s move to expand its landlord licensing comes as part of a drive to crack down on rogue landlords and to try and make sure tenants live in safe accommodation.

Currently, only landlords renting to five or more tenants in two or more households have to apply for a licence.

From 1 April, landlords who rent shared accommodation to three or more tenants from two or more households will have to apply.

Additionally, requirements for all private landlords in East Acton, Southall Broadway and Southall Green to have a renting licence regardless of the accommodation type are set to be renewed.

At the moment, landlords pay £1,100 for their licence plus £30 for every habitable room in the property.

From April, the licence fee is set to rise, from £1,100 plus £50 per habitable room to £1,300 plus £50 per habitable room for landlords renting to more tenants.

Private landlords wishing to rent out flats and houses in East Acton, Southall Broadway and Southall Green will be charged £750 for a renting licence.

According to Ealing Council, the number of people living in private rented accommodation across the borough has nearly doubled in the past ten years.

For landlords to be granted a licence, they must show proof their accommodation meets strict fire and health and safety requirements.

Ealing Council’s lead for good growth Councillor Shital Manro said, “The council increasingly relies 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 we continue to work well with our valued landlords by providing advice and support on standards that must be met, while taking a strong approach to tackling poor property conditions and raising standards in this valuable housing sector.”