Landlord responsibilities

What if I want to stop letting my property?

We issue temporary exemption notices (TENs) for licensable properties where we have evidence that steps are being taken which will exempt the property from requiring a license under Part 2 or 3 of the Housing Act 2004. It is unlikely we would issue a TEN if the steps you are taking are likely to take longer than three months.

Apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice.

What happens if I don’t get a licence?

It is an offence to operate a licensable property if it is not licenced. The council’s enforcement policy sets out how we enforce against landlords of unlicensed properties.

The penalties include a criminal conviction and unlimited fine or a financial penalty of up to £30,000. While the property remains unlicensed your tenant can apply for a Rent Repayment Order and you will be severely limited in taking eviction proceedings against your tenants.

What standard does my property need to meet?

Tower Hamlets Private Renters' Charter sets out in accessible language the standards the law demands from all private landlords and agents.

The council and every organisation signed up to the charter aims to support mainstream landlords and agents as well as tenants by making sure that every rented room, flat or house in Tower Hamlets meets these standards – and by driving out the criminals who won’t obey the law.

Disrepair

The property should not have any serious hazards assessed under the Housing Health and Safety. Rating System (HHSRS).

Fire Safety

All properties should have some fire detection in place. The level of protection depends on the risks, smaller single family homes may only need a smoke detector on each floor.

Larger HMO’s may need a full interlinked fire detection system. You can find out more about fire safety standards here. Where there are log burners installed, a carbon monoxide detector should be installed. You can see the recommended fire safety guidance.

We realise that this LACORS guidance is lengthy and can seem complex; however detailed case studies are provided which are easy to follow.

For larger HMOs where the risks are greater landlords might want to engage the services of a competent fire risk assessor to carry out the assessment for them.

Although we can give some verbal advice the service does not have the capacity to carry out individual assessments requiring a site visit.

Amenity standards

Tower Hamlets has adopted a set of amenity standards to ensure that properties are not overcrowded and enough facilities for the tenants to live there safely.

View these housing standards. The amenity standards applies to all licensable properties.

Basic rules to follow when renting out a HMO and private rented property:

No bathroom, toilet, office, lobby, kitchen, cupboard, corridor or circulation space must be used for sleeping purposes
Inner bedrooms are not acceptable for sleeping and living purposes (this is a bedroom which can only be accessed by passing through another room, such as a lounge, kitchen or bedroom)
Irrespective of the floor area, we will consider the shape of the room and the useable living space within the room when determining whether or not it is suitable for use as sleeping accommodation
Although basements and loft spaces may be used as sleeping accommodation, it is recommended that you contact the Health and Housing team to obtain advice as there are often additional hazards associated with loft spaces and basement rooms
Bedrooms without any access to natural light and ventilation shall not be used for sleeping and living purposes (for example, basements, lofts or rooms without windows).

How can I make sure I’m a competent landlord?

The London Landlord Accreditation Scheme provides accreditation, training and on-going professional development to landlords and agents. With over 32000 members, LLAS is the biggest and most established scheme of its kind.

LLAS provides a one-day basic training course, covering all aspects of tenancy and property management. LLAS also offers additional training opportunities specialising in particular areas of interest. Landlords and agents receive a Landlord Guide USB following their training.

Training courses take place throughout London including on a regular basis in Tower Hamlets.

The Tower Hamlets Landlords Forum

The Tower Hamlets Landlords and Agents Forum meets three times a year. It is an opportunity to meet with colleagues, competitors and council officers and to discuss issues that impact on your work as landlords, letting agents, and managing agents in Tower Hamlets.

Meetings are a way to hear about and influence council policy and to learn about the latest changes in housing law. If you would like to receive information about the forums and other updates, please contact katya.metay@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Once my property is licensed, what does the council expect from me?

The council expects that properties will be well managed and provide safe homes for your tenants. We expect you to carry out regular checks of your property to prevent sub-letting and over occupation and to ensure there are no repairs needed.

How regular these checks are will depend on your relationship with your tenants. Ensure to give notice when you visit and we recommend you make a note of the visit and what issues you found.

Your licence will have conditions attached which you must ensure you read and understand because you will be responsible for ensuring they are complied with.

Some of the conditions are mandatory and will be attached to each licence, the council can add to these conditions if there issues that need to be addressed.

Conditions include:

providing your tenants with bins and ensuring that they know how and when it gets collected.
dealing with any anti-social behaviour caused by your tenants
obtaining references for any new tenancies
keeping all certification up to date.