Stronger protection for thousands of renters this autumn

Islington Council’s Selective Property Licensing scheme helps tenants by ensuring privately rented homes are safe, well managed and properly maintained. Landlords must meet minimum standards on property safety, repairs, security, waste management and tenant information, giving residents greater protection, transparency and peace of mind. This scheme applies to all accommodation for private rent occupied by either 1 or 2 people - related or unrelated - or by a single family or household.

The scheme, which already regulates privately rented homes in Finsbury Park, Hillrise, and Tollington wards, will be extended to thousands of homes in seven more wards: Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction and Laycock. The extra protections will come into effect on 23 November, with landlords able to apply to the council for a licence from 7 September. 

Sayeh Yousefi, a private renter in Angel said “This seems like a great decision that will help ensure renters live in well and properly managed properties. Having standard requirements for landlords will make it easier for tenants to advocate for themselves when asking for repairs and maintenance.” 

Cllr Jason Jackson, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “We believe that everyone deserves to have a home that is safe, well maintained and well managed.” 

“Our aim is for homes in the private rented sector to be high quality, low carbon, affordable and environmentally friendly. We want our residents to have a good choice of quality homes in clean, safe and vibrant neighbourhoods and for landlords to be responsible and meet their obligations to their tenants.” 

“Islington is a popular place to rent with nearly a third of homes in Islington privately rented, and the council is committed to standing alongside renters who too often face poor conditions and rising rents. The licensing schemes are a key part of that commitment, targeting areas where renters are most vulnerable and ensuring landlords meet their responsibilities.” 

Tenants can check whether their landlord has a licence via the council’s Landlord Licence Public Register. Alongside the Selective Property Licensing scheme, Islington requires landlords of homes with 3 or more unrelated people, also known as HMOs, to also have a property licence.  

More details and information on how to apply are available on the council’s website.