Haringey Rental Licensing: Selective, HMO and What to Do

Landlords in Haringey need to know that a Selective Licensing scheme is active across 14 wards in the south and east of the borough, from 17 November 2022 to 16 November 2027. All privately rented properties for single households or two unrelated sharers in these areas require a licence. Non-compliance carries penalties.

Understanding Haringey's Selective Licensing Scheme

Haringey Council implemented Selective Licensing to enhance housing standards and management in areas with many private rented properties. This scheme focuses on specific wards needing intervention for poor property conditions and anti-social behaviour, rather than the entire borough.

Wards Covered by Selective Licensing

The Selective Licensing scheme applies to all privately rented homes in the following 14 wards, irrespective of the property's size or the tenants' occupation:

* Bounds Green

* Bruce Castle

* Harringay

* Hermitage and Gardens

* Noel Park

* Northumberland Park

* Seven Sisters

* South Tottenham

* St Ann's

* Tottenham Central

* Tottenham Hale

* West Green

* White Hart Lane

* Woodside

Properties in affluent northern areas like Muswell Hill, Crouch End, and Highgate are not part of this Selective Licensing scheme. This distinction is key for landlords to determine if their property needs a licence under this scheme.

Mandatory HMO Licensing in Haringey

In addition to Selective Licensing, Haringey Council enforces a Mandatory HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Licensing scheme. This applies to properties rented by five or more people from two or more separate households sharing facilities. This national requirement is enforced in Haringey to ensure larger shared properties meet safety standards.

Selective Licensing Fees and Discounts

A Selective Licence in Haringey costs £680 for the five-year scheme, split into two parts:

Available Discounts

Several discounts can reduce the Selective Licence cost:

* Accredited Landlord: A £50 discount on Part B is available for landlords accredited by LLAS, NRLA, UKALA, or members of ARLA, RICS, or Safeagent. Provide your membership number during application.

* Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Properties with an EPC rating of C or above get a £50 discount on Part B. An EPC is required for all selective licence applications; the discount is applied if your property qualifies.

* Multiple Flats in One Building: Owning three or more rented flats in the same building qualifies for a £75 discount on Part A for the second, third, and subsequent flats (full rate for the first). Contact the property licensing team before applying to arrange offline payment.

What this means for your property

For example, Mr. Khan owns a two-bedroom flat in Seven Sisters ward, Haringey, rented to a single family. As Seven Sisters is a designated ward, his property needs a Selective Licence. He applied on 1 December 2022, paying the £396.50 Part A fee. With an EPC rating of B, he received a £50 discount on his Part B payment, reducing it to £233.50. His licence is valid until 16 November 2027, subject to conditions. If Mr. Khan also owned a five-bedroom house in Tottenham Hale rented to five students, that property would require a Mandatory HMO licence, regardless of Selective Licensing, due to the number of occupants and households.

How to apply

Applying for a property licence in Haringey involves these steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: Check the Haringey Council website to confirm if your property is in a Selective Licensing area or needs an HMO licence. Review the map or full street list.

2. Gather Documentation: Prepare all required documents: EPC, gas safety certificate, electrical safety certificate, tenancy agreements, and landlord accreditation proof (if applicable).

3. Complete the Application: Submit your application online via the Haringey Council property licensing portal, ensuring accuracy to prevent delays.

4. Pay Part A Fee: The initial Part A fee (£396.50 for Selective Licensing) is due upon application submission.

5. Await Approval and Pay Part B: After processing and approval, you will be notified to pay the Part B fee (£283.50, potentially discounted). Your licence will be issued upon receipt of this payment.

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