A licensing expert has warned that landlords may not be aware of six selective licensing schemes due to launch over the summer in Harrow.

London Property Licensing wasn’t informed about a consultation launched in the borough last year and says there was no press release or news article on the Harrow Council website to raise awareness, despite the fact it approved six designations in February.

When its current selective licensing scheme covering the Edgeware council ward ends on 27th April, a replacement five-year scheme starts on 2nd May. Another new scheme covering Roxeth also starts on 2nd May, while schemes covering Greenhill and Marlborough wards start on 6th July. The Wealdstone ward scheme ends on 1st September, when new schemes covering Wealdstone North and Wealdstone South take its place. Fees are £786 for all schemes which cover every rental property.

Public

London Property Licensing MD, Richard Tacagni (pictured), says he understands that the public consultation ran for 10 weeks and attracted 74 responses from residents and 31 responses from landlords and agents, with just over half (57%) expressing support for licensing private rented homes in Harrow.

“With the Renters’ Rights Act increasing the maximum civil financial penalty for a licensing offence to £40,000, and rent repayment orders being extended to two years, it is vital that councils actively promote new licensing schemes before they come into force,” adds Tacagni.

Complex

“The introduction of six new selective licensing schemes over a four-month period adds to the complex licensing framework in Harrow. I would urge landlords and lettings agents to study the arrangements carefully to ensure compliance.”

On its website, the council explains that it has extended and expanded selective licensing where evidence shows a continued need to improve housing conditions, reduce anti-social behaviour and support better management standards in the PRS.

LandlordZONE has contacted Harrow Council for comment.

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