Hackney landlords told to get HMO licensed

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HMO Licensing:

Landlords in Hackney could face unlimited fines and prosecution unless they apply for a licence by 3 December, as part of new property licensing measures coming into force in Hackney

The new powers mean that landlords of all private rented homes in Brownswood, Cazenove and Stoke Newington wards will need to hold a licence committing them to keeping properties safe and treating tenants fairly.

And landlords of the 4,000 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) – with two or more households and shared facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms and toilets – across the borough will also need a licence requiring them to meet acceptable standards.

Those who don’t get licensed or fail to comply with the conditions will face fixed penalties of up to £30,000, a criminal prosecution with unlimited fine, or be forced to pay tenants back up to a year’s rent. Serious offenders can be banned from letting homes completely, and placed on a rogue landlords’ database.

The Council’s private housing enforcement team is set to almost double in size to uncover perpetrators and tackle issues such as inadequate heating, damp and mould, dangerous boilers, exposed wiring and vermin infestations.

Council research found that around one in five homes covered under the new measures suffer from serious hazards, disrepair or poor management.

Kim Wright, Group Director for Neighbourhoods and Housing, said:

“Many of Hackney’s landlords provide a good, professional service, and we’re looking forward to working with them to create better conditions for renters in Hackney.

“But these new measures – along with our expanded enforcement team – will tackle those who don’t treat renters fairly or keep their homes safe.

“We’re encouraging all landlords to check if they need a licence and get their applications in to us before we begin enforcement in December.�

Full details on the new property licensing measures, including which landlords need a licence and the licensing conditions, are available at:

www.hackney.gov.uk/property-licensing

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