Ealing Council has ramped up its crackdown on rogue landlords with a rigorous programme of HMO inspections.
The London borough has visited 130 HMOs since August, with plans to inspect at least 100 of the larger properties each month, in response to resident concerns.
Ealing has 1,709 large licensable HMOs and 1,386 small licensable HMOs under its mandatory and additional schemes. In October, the council made two Article 4 directions to restrict the conversion of family homes into HMOs across the Perivale ward which will be extended to the rest of the borough in November 2025.
These inspections check that landlords and agents are fulfilling their legal duties and providing homes with the right amenities, appropriate room sizes, and the right fire safety measures. During each visit, key focus areas include fire precautions and means of escape.
Councillor Louise Brett (pictured), cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes, joined the inspection team at one HMO where several hazards were found, including fire safety issues, inadequate heating, a tenant cooking in rooms without proper facilities, and unsafe DIY electrical work.
"The landlord has been told to rapidly address these issues, with enforcement action likely to be taken if improvements are not made in time.
Brett says that by ramping up inspections, the council is furthering its commitment to ensuring residents feel safe in their homes and communities.
“Most landlords take this responsibility seriously and do a great job, but we know that some may need further guidance and support,” she adds. “For those who break the rules, we are committed to taking prompt action and ensuring they are accountable to their tenants.”
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