A new “crackdown on bad landlords” has been introduced by a London council.

It will see the council launching a new HMO licensing scheme for landlords, which it says will help “maintain high property standards, crackdown on bad landlords, and address issues like antisocial behaviour and overcrowding”.

It means landlords with HMOs - properties where three or four people from different households live together and share facilities - will need to get a licence.

Enfield council said the new licensing scheme is for five years and will work alongside the existing mandatory HMO licensing system.

Since the earlier scheme was introduced in 2020, more than 1,200 HMO licence applications have been received, with more than 1,100 licences granted.

Seven out of ten properties need help

The council inspects every HMO before a licence is granted. The inspections revealed that 70% of the properties needed help to meet safety, damp and overcrowding.

The council has also served more 350 legal notices and taken action against 13 landlords for licensing and housing rule violations. They’ve also imposed fines to tackle poor property conditions and management.

Councillor Susan Erbil said: “Everyone deserves a safe and decent home. Renewing the HMO Licensing Scheme is a key step in continuing to improve housing standards in Enfield.

"Licensing makes sure landlords are responsible for their properties, and that tenants have secure, well-managed homes. This scheme will help us keep up the progress we've made in the past five years, protecting tenants and the wider community.”

The new scheme will start on September 1, 2025, and will apply to all areas in the borough.

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