Jun

Harrow turns to LandlordZONE to help persuade landlords to back Selective Licensing scheme

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Harrow
Council wants landlords to have their say on whether to renew the London
borough’s selective licensing scheme.

It hopes to extend the current scheme in its Edgware ward
which ends this year so it can make sure fire safety standards, basic amenities
and the general management of rented properties are being met.

Ozge Albayrak, principal
residential licensing officer, says a minority of landlords let out poorly
managed properties, putting tenants at risk and attracting anti-social
behaviour.

“The scheme will allow us to take tougher action and
ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents,” she says. “We’ll be working
closely with the police, landlords, and tenants to make the area a better place
to live and work.”

Under the scheme, all private rented
properties will have to pay £550 for a five-year licence.

Harrow’s additional
licensing scheme licenses all HMOs throughout the borough, including all
private rented houses and flats with three or more occupants who are not all
related and share a kitchen or bathroom.

It also has two selective
licensing schemes in the Wealdstone and Edgware wards.

Landlords, as well as members of the public, are being
encouraged to contribute to the consultation which closes on 14^th August.

Read the council’s public announcement