Have your say on improving Barnet’s private rented housing by introducing new property licensing schemes in the borough

Click here to visit the consultation page on Barnet Engage

Barnet council is consulting on new property licensing proposals for the private rented sector in the borough. Property licensing is a way we can ensure safer and better conditions in private rented properties that will enable all our residents to live in a healthy, safe, and thriving borough.

What we are proposing

In early 2022 we are proposing to re-introduce an additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) across the whole of Barnet and also introduce selective licensing schemes for other private rented properties in certain parts of the borough.

The selective licensing schemes we are planning to introduce are in the following new wards*:

  • Burnt Oak, Colindale North and Colindale South
  • West Hendon, Cricklewood and Childs Hill
  • Golders Green, Hendon and Edgware.

* New ward boundaries and names come into effect in May 2022, further details can be found in our FAQ document.

As part of our proposals landlords will also need to obtain a license for a HMO falling within the additional licensing scheme or for other privately rented properties falling within the selective licensing schemes. A fee for the license will be charged to cover the costs of processing the application and the cost of monitoring compliance with license conditions.

The schemes will help the council work together with landlords to make sure that homes are safe and well managed.

Your views are important to us

We want to hear your views on our proposals, in particular we want to hear from residents, tenants, landlords, managing or letting agents, organisations, businesses and all other interested parties. To find out more please read our summary consultation document and FAQs. Further information, including detailed evidence on how we have developed our proposals, is provided in the Full Consultation Business Case Report.

How to have your say

Complete our online questionnaire

We are keen to hear your views on our proposals and encourage you to have your say by completing our online questionnaire(External link).

If you would like to request a paper questionnaire or another format please:

  • email hmos@barnet.gov.uk(External link) or telephone 020 8359 5355.
  • alternatively you can write to us at HMO Licensing Team, Regulatory Services, London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW.

If you would like someone to help you complete the questionnaire or need more information, please contact us using one of the above methods.

Attend a consultation meeting or group discussion

Throughout the consultation we will also be running a series of consultation meetings with tenants, residents and landlords, and in-depth group discussions with residents and tenants from different backgrounds. If you would like to attend one of these events please complete our online registration form.

What happens after the consultation closes?

The council will use the consultation findings to inform our final decision. We will publish the results of the consultation, our decision and how we are acting on the results of the consultation on this web page in January 2022.