Our Patch march 2017
In all , 18,000 leaflets were distributed to properties , while registered letting agents and landlords were also notified .
Two types of licence come into force in July , selective and additional .
Selective licences apply to shared flats in more than 100 named streets in Hammersmith & Fulham where antisocial behaviour , noise , overcrowding , litter or the dumping of rubbish on non-collection days has proved to be a problem in the past .
Selective licences apply to all rented properties .
Each licence – which are physical documents – will cost the landlord
It is great news for the huge number of local renters who have more protection and can expect higher standards
GAME CHANGE
including such things as fire doors , then there is a detailed follow-up full inspection during the five-year term .
The new set of standards was agreed by H & F Council in December last year in an effort to reduce the thousands of complaints received each year ; mainly about mould , damp , fire safety , excessive cold and rubbish being put out on the wrong day .
By addressing these issues , the new landlords ’ charter aims to raise the overall standard of rental properties in the borough .
The council believes that landlords who hold a licence will be in a better
WHAT OTHER COUNCILS CHARGE :
Ealing £ 1,100 + £ 30 per habitable room . Selective licence flat rate £ 500 . Discount of £ 75 for members of LLAS / professional body .
Hounslow Both selective and mandatory licences are £ 1,069.36 with £ 75 discount for members of LLAS / professional body .
A new licensing system for landlords is designed to improve conditions for tenants
position to attract good tenants , and that renters will feel more confident about security of tenancies , property standards and fair treatment on deposits .
John Horton , founder of Horton and Garton , says : “ I firmly support the council ’ s efforts to raise the standards for all landlords across the borough .
“ It ’ s important landlords understand their responsibilities – and thankfully the majority are extremely responsible .
“ It ’ s also great news for the huge number of local renters who now have more protection and can expect higher standards from landlords .” A new social lettings agency will also be set up , putting would-be renters in touch with the best local landlords .
Last summer , a 12-week consultation exercise saw a majority in favour of the new measures . a total of £ 540 over five years . Every council in London is introducing new rules , but many are charging double the fee being levied on landlords by the Labour-run H & F Council .
There are still grey areas . The issue of flats and houses which use Airbnb to rent rooms to visitors for short spells is currently under the radar .
However , as the vast majority of H & F tenants are long-term this is not considered a major problem .
The council is trying to strike a balance between improving standards in the rental sector in one go ( rather than by regular tweaks ) while not risking increasing homelessness .
It believes that the new licences will create a level playing field for landlords , with no shortcuts being taken , or blind eyes being turned to sub-letting .
If landlords do not comply with the new system after July , enforcement action will be taken , ultimately resulting in prosecution .
All predictions suggest that the proportion of people renting in H & F will continue to rise in years to come .
As long as landlords have applied for licence registration by 5 July they will be deemed to be compliant with the new regulations . Any updates , changes or alterations to the timetable of licence introduction will be announced on the housing department pages on H & F Council ’ s website . For more details : wbhf . gov . uk / improvingprivaterenting