Enfield Council has announced the renewal of its Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing Scheme, aimed at raising housing standards and improving the quality of shared rental accommodation across the borough.
The new scheme, approved by Enfield Council’s Cabinet on 12 March, will be introduced for a further five years, starting from 1 September 2025. It will apply to properties where three or four people from different households live together and share facilities, supplementing the existing mandatory licensing requirements for larger HMOs.
The Council says the scheme is designed to crack down on poor property management, tackle overcrowding, and reduce antisocial behaviour, ultimately ensuring that tenants have access to safe, secure, and well-maintained homes.
Inspecting and Enforcing Standards
Since the scheme was first introduced in September 2020, Enfield Council has processed more than 1,200 HMO licence applications, granting over 1,100 licences. Before issuing any licence, the Council inspects each property — with findings showing that 70% of HMOs required improvements to meet legal safety and housing standards, including concerns over fire safety, electrical faults, damp, and overcrowding.
As part of its enforcement efforts, the Council has:
- Issued over 350 legal notices
- Taken action against 13 landlords
- Imposed fines on those who failed to meet licensing and housing requirements
Council Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Housing
Cllr Susan Erbil, Cabinet Member for Licensing, Planning and Regulatory Services, welcomed the renewal of the scheme.
“Everyone deserves a safe and decent home. Renewing the HMO Licensing Scheme is a key step in continuing to improve housing standards in Enfield,” she said.
“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.”
Supporting a Growing Private Rental Sector
With the number of private renters in Enfield continuing to rise, the Council says it is committed to ensuring that rented housing across all parts of the borough meets appropriate standards.
The new licensing scheme will apply borough-wide, and landlords operating HMOs are urged to review their obligations in advance of the new launch date.
Further information and guidance about the licensing process can be found on Enfield Council’s website.
The Cabinet’s decision remains open to review, but the Council is confident the scheme will continue to make a positive difference in supporting tenants and maintaining high housing standards.
