Rental Property Licensing in Ealing

Ealing Council operates both Selective and Additional licensing schemes across the borough, impacting many landlords and property owners. These schemes, including a Borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme and Selective Licensing schemes from 2022 and 2023, aim to improve housing standards and management practices in the private rented sector within the London Borough of Ealing. Landlords with properties in Ealing must understand their obligations to ensure compliance and avoid significant penalties.

What is Selective and Additional Licensing?

Selective Licensing applies to privately rented properties that are not already subject to mandatory HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) licensing, typically covering smaller properties rented by single households or up to two unrelated individuals. The aim is to address issues such as poor property conditions, anti-social behaviour, and deprivation in specific areas. By requiring landlords to obtain a licence, the council can ensure properties meet certain standards and are managed effectively.

Additional Licensing extends the scope of mandatory HMO licensing to cover a wider range of HMOs that fall outside the national mandatory scheme. This often includes smaller HMOs, such as those occupied by three or four unrelated individuals sharing facilities. The Borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme in Ealing means that if your property is an HMO that does not require a mandatory licence, it may still require an additional licence.

Which properties need a licence in Ealing?

In Ealing, the requirement for a property licence depends on its location and occupancy. The Borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme means that all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not already covered by mandatory HMO licensing will require an additional licence. This typically includes properties occupied by three or four unrelated individuals forming two or more households, who share amenities like a kitchen or bathroom.

Furthermore, Ealing has implemented Selective Licensing schemes in specific wards. The Selective Licensing schemes introduced in 2022 and 2023 target privately rented properties occupied by single households or two unrelated individuals within designated areas. To determine if your property falls within these specific selective licensing areas, it is crucial to consult the official Ealing Council website or use the property search tool on tuxa.co.uk.

It is the landlord's responsibility to ascertain whether their property requires a licence under any of Ealing's schemes. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences.

How to check if your property needs a licence

To quickly and easily determine if your rental property in Ealing requires a Selective or Additional licence, you can use the search tool available on tuxa.co.uk. Simply enter the full address of your property, and the platform will provide information on whether it falls within a designated licensing area and what type of licence may be required. This service helps landlords understand their obligations without having to navigate complex council documents.

Penalties for non-compliance

Operating a licensable property without the appropriate licence in Ealing is a serious offence. Landlords found to be non-compliant can face significant penalties. These include a civil penalty notice of up to £30,000 per offence, or an unlimited fine if the case is prosecuted in a Magistrates' Court. Additionally, the council may issue a Rent Repayment Order, compelling the landlord to repay up to 12 months' rent to the tenants. Non-compliance can also affect a landlord's ability to regain possession of their property.

Apply for a licence

If you determine that your property requires a licence under Ealing's Selective or Additional licensing schemes, you must apply directly to Ealing Council. The application process typically involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents, and paying a fee. It is advisable to begin the application process well in advance of any scheme deadlines to ensure continuous compliance. Further details and application forms can be found on the official Ealing Council website.