Published: Monday, 30th January 2017

You don't have long left to complete the consultation on licensing proposals for HMOs.

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 three storeys or more with five or more residents including HMOs divided into two or more households.

The 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.

You can also give us your comments:

  • By letter to: Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Team, Directorate of Community Services, Royal Borough of Greenwich, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ
  • By email to: hmo-licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

The consultation ends on Friday 24 February 2017.

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

'Vital that residents make their voice heard'

Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment, Councillor Jackie Smith, said: "The level of participation in our HMO consultation to date has been really encouraging. It's so important we that we hear from as many people affected by these changes as possible; that includes landlords living outside of the borough renting out properties here in Greenwich.

"We continue to keep building on our proactive approach to driving up accommodation standards for residents while tackling rogue landlords and illegal HMOs. These proposals will form an integral part of this strategy and it's vital that residents make their voice heard as we consult on them."