An additional licensing scheme for HMOs has come into effect across Royal Greenwich from 1st January this year.
The new scheme — which is intended for smaller HMOs — will cover properties with three or more residents living in separate households where a kitchen, bathroom or toilet is shared.
It will operate alongside the council’s mandatory HMO licensing scheme.
According to the council, the new licensing scheme was designed to ensure multiple occupation homes are kept safe and are properly managed, and that tenants’ rights are protected.
Operating an HMO without a licence is a criminal offence, and the council will issue unlimited fines to landlords who deliberately avoid licensing.
“Every resident has the right to a safe and well-maintained home; our additional HMO licensing scheme is therefore a step forward for the borough and great news for private tenants,” said cllr Ann-Marie Cousins, cabinet member for community safety and enforcement.
“As a council, we are committed to improving the lives and homes of private tenants, and our property licensing schemes are key to this.
“We will continue to work hard to tackle rogue landlords who put their tenants at risk by failing to licence their properties.”
