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Barking and Dagenham Council to implement new additional HMO Licensing Scheme to improve standards of shared homes

A new additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) will launch across Barking and Dagenham in the new year, following its approval at the council’s Cabinet meeting on 23 July 2024.

Earlier this year, the council conducted an in-depth consultation on introducing the scheme, alongside a replacement Selective Licensing scheme for single-household properties. In the consultation, 55% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that all HMOs should be subject to property licensing, regardless of size.

The new scheme will cover privately rented, smaller HMOs that house three or four people, currently outside the scope of mandatory licensing. Under the scheme, landlords of smaller HMOs in Barking and Dagenham will need to ensure they are fully licensed and maintain safe, decent homes.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “I’m really pleased that the additional HMO licensing scheme has been approved, as this will provide reassurance and support for private tenants.

“This scheme will allow us to ensure that landlords are providing quality homes for their tenants and also give us the means to tackle rogue landlords.”

All properties requiring a licence will be inspected prior to the licence being issued, and fees will be automatically discounted for landlords demonstrating best practices:

  • Silver Compliance Award: Satisfactory rating from compliance audit inspection (property meets the standards when inspected). Discount – £200 off the Part B fee for scheme running costs.
  • Gold Compliance Award: Accredited landlord and satisfactory rating from compliance audit inspection. Discount – £250 off the Part B fee for scheme running costs.

The additional HMO scheme, which comes into effect on 9 January 2025, will mean landlords of all HMOs in Barking and Dagenham will require a licence to legally let their properties.

More information on how to apply and on private rented property licensing can be found on the council website: Licensing | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.