We are delighted that tens of thousands of private renters in Lambeth have stronger rights and tougher protections thanks to the council’s new Selective Licensing Scheme.

Too many homes have fallen below the acceptable standards for too long, fuelled by 14 years of neglect and economic vandalism by the previous Tory and Liberal Democrat governments. Our new scheme tackles this head-on, giving renters more security, more rights, and more power to demand the decent homes they deserve.

Delivering this scheme was a clear promise in our 2022 manifesto, and we’re proud we are delivering on that pledge. This means landlords across almost all of Lambeth must now have a licence to legally let to a single-family household or up to two unrelated sharers.

This drives up housing standards, tackles anti-social behaviour and reduces overcrowding in private rented accommodation. It underlines Lambeth Labour’s commitment to fairness, safety and dignity for residents.

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. That’s why we’re holding landlords to account: those who fail to get a licence for a licensable property could face fines of up to £30,000.

Cllr Hashi, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said:

For too long, nearly 100,000 private renters in Lambeth have been let down by rogue landlords, left in damp, cold and unsafe flats, unsuitable for families and young people.

But, from September 1st, we’re changing that with our New Licensing Scheme – raising housing standards, tackling anti-social behaviour and reducing overcrowding.

This gives you more security, more rights, and more power to demand the decent homes you deserve.”