The private rental sector (PRS) in Islington is huge, accounting for over a third of all homes in the borough. As a result, the Council wants to ensure that properties are safe and good quality. With that goal in mind, they are looking at property licensing schemes. It could have a big impact, so we want to have a closer look here. Then, if you are an investor and want to try guaranteed rent in Islington, you can talk to us.

Two key schemes

The Council is considering two different licensing schemes.

Firstly, they are looking at renewing their borough-wide additional licensing scheme. It currently runs until February 2026, but would renew for five more years if they proceed. Under the terms, landlords have to get a licence for houses or flats with three or four unrelated sharers from different households.

Secondly, they are considering expanding their selective licensing scheme. It currently covers three wards (Finsbury Park, Hillrise, and Tollington). Under the terms, landlords must get a licence for private rented homes with one or two people or a family occupying them. The Council is thinking of an expansion so the scheme covers nine more wards, including Clerkenwell, Highbury, and Tufnell Park.

Why licensing?

As we said above, Islington Council is considering licensing to help enhance protection for private renters. They want to ensure landlords are responsible and providing good quality homes. At the same time, they want to tackle issues like exploitation by rogue property owners.

Licensing has become a really popular tool for local councils. It ensures that if landlords don’t get a licence or fail to comply with the terms, there can be repercussions. These can include fines or criminal convictions. In some cases there can even be bans so a rogue property owner can’t legally own rental properties. It is definitely important that investors consider the impact of licensing, and potential alternatives like guaranteed rent in Islington.

Councillor John Woolf, the Council’s Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, had comments on the licensing. He said “In Islington, everybody deserves a decent, safe, and genuinely affordable home”. The council will therefore do all they can to protect private renters.

Cllr Woolf went on to say “the success of the current licensing schemes has shown they can make a real difference”. So, that is why the council is looking to the future with the licensing.

What next?

Islington Council reaffirmed they are looking at property licensing to create a safer, fairer PRS in the area. However, to ensure they make the right decisions, they are inviting residents, landlords, and other stakeholders to give their views.

A consultation period is open now, running until 13th April. Stakeholders can give their views by completing a survey online. There will also be drop-in sessions at the Islington Council office in February.

Talk to us about guaranteed rent in Islington

Private landlords have a lot of responsibility. It can be tough to manage, especially with crucial things like ensuring properties are in a good habitable condition. When there are thing like property licensing, it becomes even harder. It also increases the costs, with licences generally costing hundreds of pounds per property.

If you are an investor and want to lessen the responsibility, you should think about guaranteed rent in Islington and other parts of London. It is an alternative to the PRS. Instead, you work with the local council. They’ll take care of tenancies and maintaining the properties. Most importantly, you will get a guaranteed rent payment every single month.

So, if you want to discover more about rent guarantees, speak to us. We’re one of the leading experts in London.