Nov

LATEST: Haringey goes live with UK’s first big ‘green’ selective licensing scheme

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Haringey’s new selective licensing scheme goes live today with a focus on prompting landlords to raise energy ratings.

After getting the green light from the government, the London borough has introduced its five-year scheme in 14 of its 19 wards in a bid to improve housing conditions and support the council’s ambition to tackle inequality.

It covers Bounds Green, Bruce Castle, Harringay, Hermitage and Gardens, Noel Park, Northumberland Park, Seven Sisters, South Tottenham, St Ann’s, Tottenham Central, Tottenham Hale, West Green, White Hart Lane and Woodside.

Protecting private renters and ensuring they live in safe and warm homes is a key component of the scheme and the authority promises to, “urge landlords to take maximum responsibility for maintaining effective and appropriate management of their properties”.

Fuel poverty

And with the cost of living continuing to rise, the scheme will also focus on reducing fuel poverty by identifying properties with the worst energy efficiency ratings. Haringey then aims to give landlords the right support and education to adapt their properties.

Councillor Dana Carlin (pictured), cabinet member for housing services, private renters and planning, says more than 40% of households in Haringey live in the private rented sector.

“Unfortunately, many of our PRS tenants are living in homes in poor condition and with low standards of housing management,” she adds.

“These properties also cause frustration to the wider community. Selective landlord licensing will help us to improve housing conditions for private renters, which is a key priority of this administration.”

All properties in the 14 wards that are privately rented to single households or two sharers will need to pay £600 for a five-year licence. The borough already runs an additional scheme for HMOs.

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