Private landlords to be regulated in Havering
Havering Cabinet approved plans to save a further �13.9million from its budget over the next three years and expand five primary schools - Credit: Archant
Private sector landlords could be regulated in Havering if plans are rubber stamped.
A topic group report was presented to cabinet members on Wednesday night that would see selective licensing brought in to tackle problems with low demand, anti-social behaviour and insufficiently managed properties.
The plans are a result of the increase in shared housing and Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) in the borough, and will be brought in firstly in Brooklands, Gooshays and Heaton wards.
Cllr Osman Dervish (Pettits, Conservative) said: “London is experiencing a change to its housing model, buying is difficult to access for many people and the renting sector has doubled and is not going to stop anytime soon. We’ve already started this with the Article 4 Direction [requiring planning permission for HMOs].”
Officers will have the authority to fine landlords not adhering to the rules, but Cllr Jeff Tucker said any charges put on them would simply be filtered down to tenants.
But Cllr Keith Darvill was more positive, saying new landlords could develop good habits with regulation and have a positive relationship with the council.
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