Overwhelming backing of residents for landlord licensing scheme in Redbridge

Next week a committee meeting at Redbridge council will debate the consultation results and make a decision whether to introduce a Borough Selective Licensing Scheme.

Newham, Barking and Dagenham and Waltham Forest councils all have the licensing schemes in place already.

Under the plans, each private property must apply for a five-year licence at the discounted price of £250 for the first three months of it being introduced, or £500 thereafter.  

A total of 23 per cent of homes in Redbridge are made up by the private rented sector-representing 24,000 households.  

In consultation results released in a council report, of 1,299 residents who responded, 82.3 per cent agreed with the licensing scheme proposed by the council.

But of the 463 landlords who responded, only 24.4 per cent agreed.

Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of Labour's council said: “I have heard about some awful conditions and problems associated with badly managed private rented properties in the borough.

“Sadly, some tenants feel powerless to take any action for fear of being evicted.

“Currently, existing powers available to us are limited and mostly rely on officers responding to tenants’ complaints.

“Implementing these schemes will improve the quality of life and civic pride by reducing anti-social behaviour, through tackling incidents of fly-tipping, untidy front gardens and problem neighbours associated with the private rented sector.

“The schemes will also help to increase fairness for our residents by improving housing standards and ensuring they have a safe and decent home to live in.”

Richard Blanco, of the National Landlord Association (NLA) and private landlord in Ilford, said at a cabinet meeting in November last year that the scheme would not reduce anti-social behaviour and could lead to increased rents.

The report will be discussed at Neighbourhoods and Communities Service Committee on Wednesday 3 June 2015.

Redbridge council leader Jas Athwal.