Agenda item

Report & appendices attached.

The report before Members detailed the proposed introduction and operation of a selective private landlord licensing scheme in Romford Town and Brooklands wards and an additional, house in multiple occupation (HMO) scheme in Cranham, Emerson Park, Hacton, Hylands, St Andrews and Upminster based on the Private Rented Sector (PRS)

Following a period of public consultation and the evidence collated, which both supported the case for the introduction of a selective licensing scheme in these two wards due to poor housing conditions and anti-social behaviour.

There was also a significant proportion of smaller HMO’s in the proposed area which were being poorly managed which led to one or more particular problems, either for those occupying the HMO’s or for members of the public e.g. poor housing conditions and/or anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Licensing reduced overcrowding in HMOs by setting a limit on the number of tenants permitted. Landlords were provided with a set of conditions their properties should meet in return accommodation was managed better as a result of specific licence conditions and landlords would become  more accountable as named licence holders.

Targeted enforcement action with financial penalties for non-compliance to  drive out criminal landlords which would in turn create a ‘more level playing field’ for well behaved landlords and would make the market fairer for all

Since March 2018 the service had carried out 31 Multi-agency operations focusing on unlicensed properties, Issued 105 legal notices requiring improvements related to poor conditions, Issued 204 financial penalties for failing to licence and breaches in conditions and sent 2,500 letters to owners of unlicensed properties warning them to licence their property.

The report also detailed the fees payable for licences, Licences were issued a five year period.

Cabinet would consider the representations received in response to the consultation on the selective licensing and additional HMO licensing scheme

The report was welcomed by all Members and several Members had points that they wished to be considered within the report.

It was agreed that Members email officers direct explaining their comments which would be included in the final draft that would be considered by Cabinet in October.

Members noted the report and the appendices attached.