Does My Tottenham Property Need a Rental Licence?
A guide to property licensing in Tottenham, London. Learn about Haringey's selective and additional HMO licensing schemes, fees, and landlord obligations.
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Tottenham, within the London Borough of Haringey, is subject to property licensing schemes aimed at improving housing standards. Haringey Council operates both a selective licensing scheme and an additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), directly impacting landlords in the area.
The selective licensing scheme in Haringey began on 17 November 2022 and concludes on 16 November 2027. It targets privately rented homes let to a single household or two unrelated sharers in specific wards. In Tottenham, these wards include Bruce Castle, Northumberland Park, Seven Sisters, South Tottenham, St Ann's, Tottenham Central, Tottenham Hale, and White Hart Lane. Landlords must determine if their property is in a designated ward, as operating without a required licence can lead to significant penalties.
Additionally, Haringey Council enforces an additional licensing scheme for HMOs borough-wide, including all of Tottenham. This applies to properties occupied by three or more tenants from two or more households sharing facilities. The current additional HMO licensing scheme started on 27 May 2024 and is also for a five-year period. Landlords need to understand which scheme applies to their property, as an unlicensed operation carries serious legal and financial repercussions.
| Scheme Type | Area Covered | Start Date | End Date | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional HMO Licensing | Borough-wide | 27 May 2024 | 26 May 2029 | £1,360 |
What Landlords Need to Know
Landlords in Tottenham must understand and comply with Haringey Council's property licensing requirements. The two-part fee structure for both selective and additional licensing means Part A is non-refundable, even if the licence is refused or withdrawn. Part B is due before licence issuance. Licences are non-transferable, requiring a new application and fee upon change of holder. Paper applications incur a £100 charge, favouring online submissions. Operating an unlicensed property can lead to significant enforcement action, including fines and rent repayment orders. [1] [3]
Landlord Checklist
1. Identify your property's location: Confirm if your privately rented property in Tottenham falls within one of the selective licensing wards: Bruce Castle, Northumberland Park, Seven Sisters, South Tottenham, St Ann's, Tottenham Central, Tottenham Hale, or White Hart Lane.
2. Assess HMO status: Determine if your property meets the criteria for an Additional HMO licence, meaning it is occupied by three or more tenants from two or more households sharing facilities.
3. Gather documentation: Prepare all necessary documents for your licence application, including property details, tenancy agreements, gas safety certificates, electrical safety certificates, and EPC.
4. Apply online: Utilise the Haringey Council website to submit your licence application, avoiding the £100 additional charge for paper applications.
5. Manage fee payments: Ensure timely payment of Part A upon application and Part B before the licence is issued to prevent delays or the property being deemed unlicensed.
6. Seek discounts: If applicable, join an accredited landlord scheme, such as LLAS or NRLA, or improve your property's EPC rating to C or above to qualify for available fee discounts.
7. Stay informed: Regularly check the Haringey Council website for any updates or changes to property licensing schemes and conditions.
Operating a privately rented property in Tottenham without the required selective or additional HMO licence can result in unlimited fines, prosecution, and rent repayment orders, making compliance a critical responsibility for all landlords.
Understanding and adhering to the specific property licensing requirements in Tottenham is paramount for landlords. By staying informed and ensuring compliance with Haringey Council's selective and additional HMO licensing schemes, landlords can avoid penalties and contribute to the provision of well-managed, safe housing in the area. For the most current information and to access application forms, landlords should always refer directly to the official Haringey Council property licensing pages.
References
Licensing data sourced from individual council websites and the MHCLG licensing register. Last verified: . Always confirm current scheme status with the council directly before making licensing decisions.
Licensing guides
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