Barnet is the latest council appearing to edge towards increased private rental sector licensing as it enters the final two weeks of a consultation exercise on the subject.

In addition to the existing licensing for landlords of larger HMOs of three storeys or more, where five or more people live in two or more households and who share a kitchen and or bathroom, the council wants to introduce additional licensing for smaller and other types of HMO in the borough. 

The consultation closes on September 17.

The proposals are for additional licences to be introduced for smaller HMOs including those of two or more storeys, with four or more people living in two or more households, where some or all facilities are shared, and for some types of buildings and houses converted into flats.

These could include accommodation such as some shared houses and flats, bedsits, houses rented out in rooms, hostels, student accommodation and properties with a live-in landlord.

Full details of the types of HMOs covered by the proposals can be found in the consultation documents on the council website.

“This consultation is about some very important proposals aimed at helping to make sure the quality of private rented accommodation in the borough is high. We are keen to hear people’s views and I would like to encourage as many people as possible to take the time to consider the proposals and let us know what they think” says a council spokesman.

For more information, call the council on 020 8359 7454.