Thousands more private renters now protected from rogue landlords
Over 5,000 privately rented homes in Islington must now be registered for a licence to ensure their tenants have good quality housing – or their landlords will face prosecution.
All private landlords in Finsbury Park, Tollington and Hillrise wards – where there are particular problems with poor conditions – now need to sign up and ensure their homes are up to scratch, after Islington Council’s expanded licensing scheme came into effect on Monday 20 May.
Nearly a third of homes in Islington are privately rented, and the council is committed to standing alongside private renters to make sure they have a safe place to call home.
The new expanded scheme, which replaces a previous scheme covering only Finsbury Park, was announced last July. Since then, the council has been preparing to launch the scheme, including publicising it to landlords. Now, landlords who fail to sign up or meet licence conditions may face an unlimited fine or a criminal conviction.
Equally, the scheme will help level the playing field for responsible landlords, making sure rogue landlords who save money by dodging maintenance and renting out low-quality homes are held to account.
Cllr Una O’Halloran, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “Everyone in Islington should have a safe, decent and genuinely affordable place to call home. Private renters are under huge pressure, now more than ever, and we’re determined to stand alongside them.
“While most of Islington’s landlords are responsible and take good care of people’s homes, we hear from hundreds of renters who don’t feel safe or listened to, while their rents go up and up. This new scheme will make sure they have the protection, and the homes, they deserve.
“If you’re a landlord in Finsbury Park, Tollington and Hillrise and you haven’t already signed up, make sure you apply now.”
Tenants can check whether their landlord has a licence via the council’s Landlord Licence Public Register. Islington also has other licensing schemes to protect private renters who live in shared accommodation across the borough.
More details and information on how to apply are available on the council’s website
Notes to editors
- More information on the scheme is available in the July 2023 report to the Council’s Executive.
- Discounts on license fees are available for landlords and agents who are part of accredited schemes that demonstrate their knowledge, skill and commitment to managing properties well.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.