Ealing's Rental Property Licensing Scheme Approved
Nearly half of the privately rented homes in borough will need to participate
Landlord industry bodies have expressed concern that licensing schemes lead to higher rents. Picture: Ealing Council
Ealing Council has been given permission to extend its private rented property licensing scheme.
The government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has approved the council’s plan which make it coverage area the largest in west London when it comes into force on 3 January 2023.
Although the scheme was approved by the council’s cabinet earlier this year, its size and scope meant that government approval was also required. The new scheme equates to more than 50% of the overall size of the borough and nearly half of all privately rented homes in Ealing.
Landlords will need to pay a licensing fee of £750 with £250 payable on application and the remaining 70% once the application has been approved/property assessed. Early applications received between 3 January and 3 April may receive a 25% discount. Landlords and managing agents who are members of certain accreditation schemes may also receive a £75 discount and properties with EPC ratings of C and above may receive an additional £50 discount.
A smaller selective licensing scheme came into force in three wards in the borough (East Acton, Southall Broadway and Southall Green) in April this year. The new scheme will apply to all privately let properties in a further 12 wards based on the pre-May 2022 boundaries - Acton Central, Dormers Wells, Greenford Broadway, Greenford Green, Hanger Hill, Hobbayne, Lady Margaret, North Greenford, Northolt Mandeville, Northolt West End, Perivale and South Acton.
With the proportion of the borough’s homes in the private rented sector increasing by 65% in the last 10 years, the council says it is aiming to ensure that private renters have access to safe, secure and decent homes.
Homes in Multiple Occupation are already covered by a licensing scheme in the borough.
Councillor Shital Manro, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for good growth said: “The current cost of living crisis means that supporting our most vulnerable residents has never been more important. Although the overwhelming majority of landlords in Ealing are decent, law-abiding people, private rented property licensing offers us a means of tackling the minority who aren’t.
“This is our largest and most ambitious property licensing scheme to date, and it demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting landlords while taking a strong approach to tackling poor property conditions. It will foster greater security for landlords and tenants alike in this vital housing sector.”
Some groups representing landlords have previously expressed concerns that such schemes may tend to lead to an increase in rents in areas in which they have been introduced.
Failure to obtain a licence may result in prosecution and a fine.
Properties outside of the boundaries covered by the selective licensing designation will not be covered by the new licensing regime.
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October 4, 2022