Lambeth's Borough-Wide Landlord Licensing: What Property Owners Need to Know

Lambeth Council Expands Landlord Licensing Scheme Borough-Wide

In a significant move to enhance housing standards and address issues within the private rented sector, Lambeth Council has approved the expansion of its Selective Licensing Scheme to cover 23 of the borough's 25 wards. This decision, made in November 2024, aims to tackle rogue landlords, improve property conditions, and reduce anti-social behavior associated with poorly managed rental properties.

Background of the Selective Licensing Scheme

Initially launched on September 2, 2024, the Selective Licensing Scheme required landlords in the wards of Knights Hill, Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East, and Streatham St. Leonards to obtain licenses for properties rented to:

• A single-family household
• No more than two unrelated individuals

The scheme's primary objectives were to identify substandard housing, ensure tenant safety, and promote responsible property management.

Expansion Details

Following a successful initial phase, the council has decided to extend the scheme to an additional 19 wards, encompassing the majority of the borough. The only exceptions are the Waterloo & South Bank and Vauxhall wards. This expansion is pending approval from the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and is anticipated to commence in July 2025.

Licensing Requirements and Fees

Under the expanded scheme, landlords must obtain a license to legally let properties to the specified tenant groups. The standard license fee is £923 per property, which is currently the highest selective licensing fee among London boroughs. This fee is divided into two parts:

• Part A (£650): Covers application processing and administration.
• Part B (£273): Funds the management and enforcement of the licensing scheme.

Discounts are available for:

• Energy Efficiency: A £50 reduction in Part B for properties with an EPC rating of C or better.
• Accredited Landlords: A £75 reduction in Part B for landlords accredited by recognized schemes such as the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) or the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).
• Multiple Properties in the Same Block: A £100 discount in Part A for each additional flat in the same block after the first.

Landlords are encouraged to apply promptly to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Council's Commitment

Councillor Mahamed Hashi, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, emphasized the council's dedication to ensuring quality housing:

"We believe good quality housing is a right. Private renting is often the only option for residents who can’t access social housing. Whilst most landlords provide good, safe accommodation, there are some who take advantage of tenants, or don’t know what their responsibilities are. That is why it’s important that the full range of powers is not only available to the Council, but readily used."

The council aims to work collaboratively with responsible landlords while taking decisive action against those who fail to meet required standards.

How Fraser Bond Can Assist

Navigating the expanded licensing requirements can be complex. Fraser Bond offers comprehensive services to support landlords in achieving compliance:

• License Application Assistance: Guidance through the application process to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Property Assessments: Evaluations to identify necessary improvements to meet licensing standards.
• Ongoing Management: Services to maintain property standards and adhere to licensing conditions.

By partnering with Fraser Bond, landlords can confidently manage their properties within the framework of Lambeth's enhanced licensing scheme.

For more detailed information on the Selective Licensing Scheme and application procedures, visit the Lambeth Council's official website.