The council is upholding its commitment to deliver better standards for private renters, with the launch of a consultation on the proposed selective licensing scheme.
With an increasing number of households in Lambeth living in private rented homes, the council have made it a priority to ensure that everyone has access to a safe and secure home. To help meet this priority, the council have launched a consultation on proposals that, if approved, will help to improve housing conditions, and eliminate poor standards for private renters.
In 2021, the council introduced a boroughwide additional HMO licensing scheme to improve safety standards for tenants living in small houses in multiple occupation (HMO). The council want to ensure the safety of more residents and are now proposing that privately rented homes of all types (not just HMOs) should be licensed in the 23 wards with the highest levels of properties in poor condition. The proposal, which suggests introducing the scheme in two phases, is known as selective licensing.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Maria Kay, Cabinet Member for Housing & Homelessness, said: “We have already taken significant action to tackle poor standards in the private rented sector, and although most landlords operating in Lambeth provide our residents with decent, well managed and safe homes, we continue to uncover renters living in hazardous and unacceptable conditions.
“We are focussed on improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities for people in Lambeth. That’s why we have launched our consultation on the private rented property sector as part of our commitment to addressing these issues.
“It’s important that we hear from everyone who may be affected by our proposals. If you are a tenant or homeowner, or if you study or work in the borough, we need to hear from you. Your views are important and will help to ensure that we develop the best new scheme for everyone.
“We know that many of our residents are feeling the pressures of the current cost of living crisis and supporting our most vulnerable residents is a number one priority for all of us in Lambeth. That’s why we want to ensure that as many as possible have the chance to take part, share their views and comment on our proposals, and we are providing many different ways to engage with the consultation.”
Lambeth Council is consulting about a licensing scheme which, if it is introduced, would come into effect in two phases, the first from September 2024, followed by a larger area later in 2025.
The consultation runs until Monday 4 March 2024, and everyone can share their views by visiting www.lambeth.gov.uk/propertylicensing. Paper copies can be provided by emailing PRSlicensing@lambeth.gov.uk or calling 020 7926 8591.
