Landlords operating in Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green, and Willesden Green will soon be legally required to obtain a selective license for their rental properties.
A new law, set to come into effect on 1 August 2023, will necessitate landlords in these areas to apply for a license to continue renting out their properties.
Under the selective licensing scheme, landlords will be charged £640 for a license that will be valid for up to five years. However, those who submit their applications before 1 August will be able to purchase a license at the current rate of £540. The decision to introduce selective licensing in these areas was made following an extensive borough-wide consultation that commenced in the autumn of 2022.
A report presented to cabinet members demonstrated the positive impact a selective licensing scheme could have on addressing poor property conditions and mitigating high levels of antisocial behaviour prevalent in Dollis Hill, Harlesden and Kensal Green, and Willesden Green. The licensing scheme aims to support landlords in providing the best possible living conditions and amenities for tenants while prioritizing their safety and security.
Brent Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness, and Renters’ Security, expressed the council’s commitment to collaborating with responsible landlords to ensure the provision of decent facilities and living conditions to tenants. In a statement, Cllr Knight said, “The landlords who work with us take pride in renting out properties that offer decent facilities and living conditions to tenants. The licensing scheme supports landlords in offering the best they can to tenants, ensuring that tenants’ safety and security are protected.”
