New HMO Licensing Proposals Get Green Light

Last night the Council's Cabinet approved a plan to begin the process for re-establishing Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

This is good news, and certainly not before time. The link to the report is HERE

Currently the Council has a mandatory scheme in place which covers the whole borough, with another scheme for parts of North Tottenham still running. The selective scheme for Harringay ward, which was the first in the borough led to many HMOs being licensed. As I understand it, Government rules are that selective schemes can only run for 5 years and then you have to reapply and go back to the beginning. This means mapping areas, providing loads of very detailed evidence and also having a consultation period. The government have made it even more difficult to get effective licensing in place as they will not now approve borough wide selective schemes like the one established in Newham. The new rules are that only 20% of an area can have the selective (that is more rigorous scheme) at any one time.

I have been to two presentations about the proposed schemes for Haringey and all the ground work has now been done.  Harringay ward will benefit from this as we have more HMOs than any other ward in the borough and twice the London average. It has long been my view that these schemes are not only essential foundations for managing private sector renting, but they make a very positive and helpful contribution to regeneration of any area. In the current push for demolitions and development this work, and other aspects of regulation are often undervalued.They just aren't very glamorous, and don't involve lunches with developers!

Income from the schemes will be ring fenced this time, providing funding for more enforcement staff who are sorely needed to deal with all the problems and violations.  If all goes according to the timetable, which involves central government, the schemes should be up and running in September 2018.  Can't come soon enough!

The experience from Newham was hugely positive and I hope it will be here. The consultation has started now so please do respond. This is very important for residents everywhere.

Zena Brabazon

Cllr, Harringay ward