Please reply to:
Cllr Susan Erbil
Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services
Email:
hmo-consultation@enfield.gov.uk
As you know, we are dealing with an unprecedented housing crisis in London. I am sure you will have seen first-hand the problems within the private rented housing sector, as many people struggle to find good quality, affordable homes.
We know that more of our residents rely on this sector to provide a roof over their heads and those of their families. Some of these are our most vulnerable residents, who have limited options when choosing where to live and we frequently rely on the sector to house many of them.
The private rented housing sector In Enfield accounts for almost 30 per cent of our housing stock. Sadly, we are increasingly uncovering private renters living in unsuitable HMO properties, this includes families with children.
With record numbers of people living in temporary accommodation and increasing numbers of families in crisis, there is an extreme shortage of housing within the borough. We know that it’s never been more important for the Council to ensure that HMO properties provide safety and security to all residents.
In 2020, the Council introduced a scheme known as additional HMO licensing to improve property conditions, safety and management standards for small, shared houses that are occupied by three or four people, forming more than one household, sharing amenities, such as a bathroom and / or kitchen. These are shared houses that do not fall under the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme. The current scheme will end in August 2025.
Since the start of the current scheme, the Council has seen improvements in the quality and safety of HMOs. However, there is still more to do to ensure improved HMO property standards and better protection for private renters. That’s why the Council wants to continue the good work that has been achieved so far and propose a further additional HMO licensing scheme from 1 September 2025.
As a London local authority, we welcome your views and opinions on our plans. I therefore urge you to visit the consultation to view our evidence pack and proposals. If you are in agreement, I kindly ask that you write a formal letter in support of our proposals.
The consultation will close on Monday 7 October 2024.
Please send a letter of support to hmo-consultation@enfield.gov.uk and if you require
any further information, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Susan Erbil
Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services
Cllr Susan Erbil
Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services
www.enfield.gov.uk