Forum topic: Council consulting on proposals to license private landlords

Enfield Council has launched a consultation on its proposals for two private rented property licensing schemes. The consultation, which runs until 29th November, is open to all residents, tenants, landlords, agents, businesses and any interested parties in Enfield and outside of the borough.

A previous attempt to introduce landlord licensing, in 2014, was quashed following a vigorous campaign by a coalition of landlords and estate agents, who backed a judicial review which ruled against the council.

In an overview document, the council says that

"We are proposing to introduce two Selective Licensing schemes covering private rented single family household properties in 14 wards. These areas are experiencing the most issues with poor property conditions, deprivation and property-related anti-social behaviour (ASB). Further, we propose to introduce an Additional Licensing scheme borough wide so that problems associated with Houses In Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in particular, are addressed directly and effectively. These licensing schemes will allow us to drive up standards in the private rented sector and more effectively improve the management and condition of privately rented properties."

The council will be hosting separate public meetings for residents and tenants and landlords and agents on the dates and locations listed below: 

Resident/Tenant Public Meetings*  
- Monday 7th October (7-9pm): Dugdale Centre, 39 London Rd, London, Enfield EN2 6DS 
- Wednesday 30th October (9:30-11:30am): Green Towers, Edmonton Green, London N9 0TE 
 
Landlord and Agent Public Meetings*  
- Monday 30th September (7-9pm): Dugdale Centre, 39 London Rd, London, Enfield, EN2 6DS 
- Wednesday 30th October (7-9pm): Green Towers, Edmonton Green, London, N9 0TE 

*Spaces will be reserved on a first come first serve basis and you can click here to register your interest.

In 2014 the Campaign Against Enfield Council’s Private Rental Property Licensing Scheme used crowdfunding to raise money to pay the costs of mounting a legal challenge. The judicial review called for by landlord Constantinos Regas was upheld on the grounds that Enfield Council had failed to consult the people who should have been consulted and did not consult for the required time.