Proposals designed to raise housing standards, reduce anti-social behaviour and tackle deprivation have been published by Enfield Council as part of a major consultation.
The proposals to introduce Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes in Enfield would affect most private rented properties in the borough.
Implementing the proposed schemes would mean the Council could insist on landlords meeting certain licence conditions such as undertaking safety checks and ensuring properties are not overcrowded or dangerous and are properly managed.
If introduced, the proposed licensing schemes would play a major part in improving housing standards by addressing poor property conditions in private rented properties, would raise management standards in the sector, and help tackle anti social behaviour and deprivation.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulatory Services, Cllr George Savva, said: “With more people living in private rented accommodation, and in poor conditions, it is more important than ever that we introduce licensing schemes to ensure properties in the private rented sector are good quality, safe and secure.
“Licensing the private rented sector will improve housing standards, help reduce deprivation, improve tenants’ safety and quality of life, and improve the quality of our communities.
“Many landlords offer good quality, safe and well managed private rented homes, but some take advantage of residents and rent out dangerous, cold and damp, overcrowded and poor-quality accommodation.
"A licensing scheme would set standards that will improve housing conditions and make it far harder for unscrupulous landlords to rent out substandard, dangerous and overcrowded properties.
“We are committed to raising the quality of private rented housing in Enfield for the people that live in the borough.”
Enfield Council has launched a public consultation for residents, tenants, landlords and other interested parties to comment on its proposals for private rented property licensing schemes.
The consultation opened on 28 August 2019 and closed on 29 November 2019.