HMO licensing helps to ensure that this type of housing meets legal health and safety standards, is well run and provides at least a basic range of facilities which tenants can expect.

The Royal Borough is already legally obliged to license HMOs which are three storeys or more with five or more residents, including HMOs divided into two or more households.

New proposals

The new proposals would see licensing for all HMOs in the borough, helping us work together with landlords to drive up standards and improve both the quality and management of such accommodation.

Tenants living in a licensed HMO can rent with confidence knowing that their property has been properly inspected and licensed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Landlords also benefit from HMO licensing as they can advertise a certified property which is clearly managed in a responsible manner and meets legal standards.

Give us your views

The consultation runs from Tuesday 29 November 2016 to Friday 24 February 2017.

If you do not have internet access at home, free Wi-Fi and computers are available in any public library in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Alternatively, you can send us your comments to:

Or by email to hmo-licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Any comments you give us will be held electronically and held in strictest confidence.

'Proactive approach to driving up standards'

Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment Councillor Jackie Smith said: "I am proud that the Royal Borough of Greenwich is building on its proactive approach to driving up accommodation standards for residents while tackling rogue landlords and illegal HMOs.

"We have not shied away from cracking down on poorly maintained HMOs and have received national media attention for our proven track record of fining and prosecuting rogue landlords who take advantage of tenants who are often vulnerable and don't know where to turn.

"These licensing proposals are a further piece in the jigsaw for tackling the issue of rogue landlords through licensing approximately 7000 properties in the borough. I strongly encourage not just landlords and tenants but also the wider population within the borough who may be affected by these changes to participate in this consultation and let us know your views."