Ealing Property Licensing: Which Schemes Apply to You?

Landlords in Ealing must be aware that the borough operates three distinct property licensing schemes, with two selective licensing schemes overlapping in certain areas. This means a significant portion of privately rented properties in Ealing require a license, and failing to secure one can lead to unlimited fines. The most critical aspect for landlords to understand is which specific scheme applies to their property, as this dictates the application process and associated fees.

Ealing's Licensing Schemes at a Glance

Ealing Council has implemented a comprehensive licensing framework to improve housing standards and management in the private rented sector. These schemes are not merely bureaucratic hurdles; they are designed to ensure tenant safety and property quality across the borough. It is important to note that only one type of license is required per property, determined by its characteristics and location.

Additional Licensing Scheme

This scheme, effective from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2027, applies borough-wide to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not already covered by mandatory HMO licensing. This typically includes properties rented by three or four unrelated individuals forming two or more households, who share facilities like a kitchen or bathroom.

Selective Licensing Scheme 2022

Running concurrently from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2027, this selective licensing scheme targets specific areas within Ealing. It applies to all privately rented properties occupied by a single household or two individuals in the designated wards, regardless of the number of storeys. The areas covered under this initial selective scheme include:

* Southall Broadway

* Northfield

* Parts of Hanwell

Selective Licensing Scheme 2023

Introduced on January 3, 2023, and valid until January 2, 2028, this scheme expanded selective licensing to additional areas. This means landlords with properties in these newly designated wards also require a selective license if their property is rented to a single household or two individuals. The areas added by this scheme are:

* Acton Central

* Parts of Ealing Broadway

Understanding Licensing Fees

Ealing Council's licensing fees are structured into two parts: Part A, payable upon application submission, and Part B, charged when the license is ready for issuance. The fees vary significantly depending on the type of license required and the size of the property. As of 2024, the fees are as follows:

Available Discounts

Ealing Council offers several discounts that can reduce the overall cost of your license:

* Accredited Landlords: A £75 discount is available for landlords accredited by schemes such as LLAS, NRLA, Safeagent, or Property Mark/ARLA. Certification must be provided with the application.

* Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Properties with an EPC rating of A-C may qualify for a £50 discount. A valid EPC from an approved assessor is required.

* Multiple Selective Licences: A 10% discount applies if you apply for two or more selective licenses for flats in the same building under the same ownership simultaneously. Note that accredited landlord and EPC discounts will only apply to the first flat in such cases.

Additional Charges to Consider

Be aware of potential additional charges:

* Paper Applications: An extra £100 is added to Part A for applications submitted in paper form.

* Council Assistance: If you require council assistance to complete your application form, an additional £50 will be charged.

* Increased Occupancy: If you increase the number of occupiers or households by adding habitable rooms, an additional £50 per habitable room will be charged.

What this means for your property

Consider a landlord, Mr. Sharma, who owns a three-bedroom terraced house in Southall Broadway, Ealing. He rents it to a family of four. Under the Selective Licensing Scheme 2022, which covers Southall Broadway, Mr. Sharma's property requires a selective license. He applied online in May 2022, paying the £250 Part A fee. As an accredited landlord with an EPC rating of B, he qualified for both discounts, reducing his Part B payment by £125. His total license fee was £625, significantly less than the standard £750. This practical example highlights the importance of understanding both the scheme applicability and available discounts.

How to apply

1. Determine Your Scheme: Use the Ealing Council postcode checker (link provided below) to confirm which, if any, licensing scheme applies to your property.

2. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documentation, including proof of ownership, gas safety certificates, electrical safety certificates, EPC, and tenancy agreements.

3. Complete Application: Apply online via the Ealing Council website. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays or additional charges.

4. Pay Part A Fee: Submit the Part A fee with your application.

5. Await Council Review: The council will review your application and may contact you for further information or to arrange an inspection.

6. Pay Part B Fee: Once your license is ready to be issued, you will be prompted to pay the Part B fee, minus any applicable discounts.

Check your specific property

To confirm the exact licensing requirements for your property, use the Ealing Council's official postcode checker: Ealing Council Property Licensing Map

This tool will provide the most accurate information based on your property's location and characteristics.