Camden Council wants to renew its additional licensing scheme with a potential £82 hike in fees.

The authority has launched a consultation after a review of the existing scheme showed it had made good progress in improving property and management standards.

It estimates there are about 6,200 HMOs in the London borough where more than a third of households rent privately. Last October, 2,566 HMOs were licensed under the additional scheme and 1,485 applications were being processed.

A sample of its data reveals that of the additional licences issued, 94% required works to bring the property up to meet HMO standards - a slight improvement on the previous scheme where 99% needed works. During the current scheme, which ends in December, Camden has successfully obtained seven banning orders and ordered 219 penalty notices.

Its report explains: “There are however indications that there continue to be issues with non-compliance and poor management relating to a percentage of existing licenses, and there remain a number of properties which should have a licence but are operating without one.

Rogue element

“There is also evidence of a small number of individuals operating within the sector with a criminal or ‘rogue’ element to them, but that the council remains determined to deal with this group through robust action.”

The report adds: “Thought will be given how to further promote and raise awareness of licensing for the remainder of the current scheme. This promotion should target landlords and managing agents…but also target tenants of HMOs being aware whether the accommodation they occupy requires a licence or not.”

A review of the fees for the previous scheme which ended in 2020 revealed that they failed to cover the full cost of its operation. It currently costs landlords £1,488 but the council hopes to increase the fee to £1,570.

The consultation ends on 8th April.