Lewisham council in south London is the latest local authority proposing to introduce a licensing scheme – starting, unusually, with residential flats above commercial premises.

Tomorrow sees a key meeting with landlords to discuss the idea. 

Lewisham council estimates that there are 4,223 private lets in 1,813 properties above commercial premises across the borough. 

Under the authority’s proposed scheme any private landlord operating a private rented flat in multiple occupation above commercial premises will need to apply for a licence, show that they comply with the requirements of the licence and pay the fee. 

A licence is likely to cost around £100 to £110 a year. 

If a landlord continues to operate a private letting without a licence then they will be liable for prosecution. They may also be liable for a Rent Repayment Order.

The council is asking for comments on the licensing proposal in principle, the proposed standards that would need to be reached to be eligible for a licence and the fees to be charged for the licence.

The public meeting to discuss the idea is tomorrow evenng at 6pm in the Council Chamber, Civic Suite, Catford.