'Posh’ London borough where 44% of homes are privately rented

One of the London boroughs synonymous with wealth has revealed that 44 per cent of its housing stock is now actually in the private rented sector.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has made the announcement as it launches its latest HMO licensing scheme for the sector.

It says: “An extra licence for landlords and agents who operate houseshare-style properties could help make homes safer and healthier for private tenants in Kensington and Chelsea.”

There are 8,244 HMOs in Kensington and Chelsea, and council research shows approximately 2,400 privately rented properties with “the most serious hazards, whilst many are poorly managed and are associated with anti-social behaviour.”

The council has just kicked off consultation for its latest licensing scheme for HMOs operating as “houseshares, bedsits and converted buildings with self-contained flats.”

Under mandatory licensing rules the council could only license around 185 properties, hence its desire for this additional licence.

A council spokesperson says: “Everyone deserves a safe place to live and most landlords in our borough are fair and responsible. 

“This proposed licensing scheme would boost housing standards and give us more information so we can enforce against the few landlords who persistently provide poorly managed housing to their tenants.

“It could be good news for tenants and good news for compliant landlords, who would be able to operate in a fairer market. We need to consult before we make any decisions, so share your views in our consultation until June.”

The 12-week consultation is open until June 20, and you can see details here.

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