Property Licensing Guide for Haringey
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Haringey Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Haringey? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Haringey and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Haringey?
Mandatory licensing in Haringey
Mandatory licensing is required in Haringey if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Haringey?
Haringey council currently operates one additional licensing scheme, meaning all HMO’s in the area with three or more people forming more than one household must obtain a licence.
The scheme started on 17/06/2024, continuing the previous scheme that ends in late May 2024. It covers all wards in Haringey, applicable to all HMOs shared by three or more people who are not all related and share facilities.
Do I need a selective licence in Haringey?
Haringey Council operates one selective scheme. It applies to all privately rented properties in specific wards, regardless of the number of occupants, from 17/11/2022 until 16/11/2027. The wards covered are as follows:
- Bounds Green
- Bruce Castle
- Harringay
- Hermitage & Gardens
- Noel Park
- Northumberland Park
- Seven Sisters
- South Tottenham
- St Ann’s
- Tottenham Central
- Tottenham Hale
- West Green
- White Hart Lane
- Woodside
How do I apply for a licence?
Haringey Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Haringey. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
The fee for selective licences is £642.
The fees for additional licences are £1,295 for HMOs outside the mandatory licensing scheme.
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of August 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Haringey?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Haringey Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Haringey council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Haringey Council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes,
Why did Haringey Council introduce additional licensing?
Haringey Council introduced additional licensing to address significant issues arising from the growth of the private rented sector, particularly with smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that were not covered under the mandatory licensing scheme. The decision was driven by evidence of poor property conditions and substandard management practices associated with these HMOs. A public consultation revealed a divided response, with strong support from residents and stakeholders who believed the scheme would improve living standards and safety, but significant opposition from landlords who were concerned about the financial burden and the effectiveness of enforcement. Ultimately, the Council aimed to improve housing quality and safety across the borough through this licensing initiative
Why did Haringey Council introduce selective licensing?
Haringey Council introduced selective licensing to tackle significant issues related to poor property conditions and inadequate management in the private rented sector, particularly in areas not covered by mandatory licensing. The introduction was driven by the substantial growth in private rented properties in the borough, which now includes approximately 44,000 dwellings. Key statistics from the consultation show that nearly half (47%) of respondents agreed with the proposal, with strong support from residents who believed the scheme would improve living conditions. However, there was notable opposition from landlords, 54% of whom disagreed, citing concerns about the financial burden and potential for increased rents
What were the main concerns expressed by landlords during the consultation on Haringey Council's additional licensing scheme?
Landlords expressed several concerns during the consultation on Haringey Council’s additional licensing scheme. The primary worries included the financial burden of the licensing fees, with 58% of respondents disagreeing that the proposed fee was reasonable. Landlords feared that these costs would either force them to pass on expenses to tenants through higher rents or compel some to exit the market, thereby reducing the availability of rental properties. Additionally, landlords felt that the scheme penalized compliant landlords while not effectively targeting rogue landlords who operate outside the law. They also raised issues regarding the lack of support from the Council, particularly in managing difficult tenants and the burden of compliance checks, which some found inconsistent or unhelpful
