Plans to introduce landlord licences in the borough have been thrown out by the Secretary of State.
The scheme looked set to go ahead next year after councillors approved it at a Redbridge Council cabinet meeting in June. It then applied to the Department for Communities and Local Government for further approval.
The council had hoped to introduce the licences to help tackle anti-social behaviour, rogue landlords, poor quality accommodation and beds in sheds, following “overwhelming support” in a public consultation.
Councillors are now considering whether to update and evaluate evidence to determine whether to consult the public on a smaller scheme.
Redbridge Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “We are extremely disappointed, that despite evidence provided, our application has been turned down to allow us to implement a borough-wide scheme for private property licensing.
“We strongly believe that a borough-wide scheme is vital to hold landlords to account for the actions of their tenants including noise, rubbish and vandalism and other anti-social behaviour related to some private rented properties.”
“Without a borough-wide scheme it will be impossible for us to readily identify who is responsible for a property and deal proactively with poor standards of rented accommodation. Sadly, we will now have to go back to the drawing board and consider our options.”
The council has already had approval to implement an additional licensing scheme which will see all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough needing a licence. This scheme will be in place by summer next year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here