Property licensing Scheme consultation

Time’s running out! Have your say and help improve private rented homes in Barking and Dagenham

Residents, landlords and private tenants in Barking and Dagenham are being encouraged to not miss out on the opportunity to share their views on the future of property licensing in the borough.

The east London council has been consulting on their plans since Friday 16 February with over 450 people already having sent in their views.

However, the council is now urging everyone else let them know their thoughts before the consultation closes on Friday 26 April.

Property Licensing Schemes have a range of benefits for both landlords and private tenants including:

Tenants

  • Healthy home assurance: The council inspects every private rented home to make sure they are mould-free, safe and of a good standard.
  • Quality improvement: Licensing schemes provide councils with better insight to address non-compliant landlords, improving overall property quality and management. 
  • More stability: Improved management practises result in longer tenures and fewer unplanned moves or instances of homelessness. 
  • Possible financial savings: Tenants may benefit from reduced heating costs in previously poorly insulated homes and have a better chance of regaining their deposit.

Landlords

  • Information and support: Licensed landlords will receive regular guidance and training opportunities to help them improve.
  • Fair competition: Decent landlords are protected from unfair competition by dodgy landlords.
  • Enhanced reputation: Private landlords can enjoy improved reputation through higher overall compliance across the borough.
  • Practical assistance: Access to multi-agency support for dealing with management issues, such as antisocial behaviour.

The council has identified the need for further property licensing schemes to maintain and improve the standards of private rented homes and respond to the current challenges faced by the sector.

A replacement Selective Licensing Scheme is being proposed, along with a new Additional Licensing Scheme to cover small, shared Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) let to three or four people and outside the scope of Mandatory HMO Licensing.

Those interested in taking part can find out more and complete the survey on the council’s consultation webpage.