The scheme for houses of multiple occupation in Enfield occupied by three or four people had been due to expire this summer but will now continue until 2030

Enfield Council’s licensing scheme for landlords with houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) will be updated and extended for a further five years, it’s been confirmed.

The council launched a public consultation last year on whether it should update its original ‘additional HMO licensing’ scheme, which was first introduced in September 2020, for a further five years.

The scheme for smaller HMOs in Enfield occupied by three or four people applies to shared houses that do not fall under the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme for properties occupied by five or more people, and had been due to end in August 2025, but will now be extended until at least 31st August 2030.

Landlords who currently have an HMO licence will not need to re-apply until the expiry date indicated on their licence.

The council says that since the current scheme started in September 2020 it has “made a real difference in improving housing conditions and tenant safety in Enfield’s private rented sector” with over 1,200 HMO licence applications made and more than 1,100 granted, “making sure landlords follow key property standards”.

According to a report by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) published in May 2024 on local authority enforcement, Enfield was ranked sixth among all local authorities nationally between 2021 and 2023 in its use of civil penalties to tackle issues in HMOs.

Before a licence is granted, the council inspects the HMO. Since 2020 the inspections showed that 70% of the properties needed help to meet safety and housing standards, including issues like fire and electrical safety, damp, and overcrowding.

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

Susan Erbil, the council’s cabinet member for licensing, planning, and regulatory services, 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.”

For more information on HMO licensing in Enfield:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/services/housing/private-rented-property-licensing#additional-hmo-licensing-consultation-and-designation-2025

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