Lewisham landlords will need new licence in scheme to improve housing standards

Plans to introduce a new landlord licensing scheme for the majority of private rented properties in Lewisham have been approved by the Government.

The scheme aims to improve the quality and management of privately rented accommodation in the borough, helping to ensure safe and secure housing for private renters.

More than one in four households in Lewisham rent privately, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Following approval from Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), the new licensing scheme will come into effect on 1 July 2024 and will cover an additional 20,000 properties in the borough.

Nearly all privately rented properties in Lewisham not currently covered by the existing licensing schemes for Houses of Multiple Occupations (HMOs) will need a licence under the new scheme.

In order to obtain a licence, properties will need to meet minimum health and safety standards and landlords who fail to fulfil their statutory responsibilities, such as carrying out repairs in a timely fashion, will be subject to enforcement action from the council.

Lewisham councillor Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for housing, said: “With one in four households in Lewisham renting privately, improving standards in the private rented sector is a vital part of our work to tackle the housing crisis.

“Our new licensing scheme will help ensure private rented properties are fit for purpose and empower us to take action against those landlords who fail to fulfil their responsibilities.”

(Picture: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels)