A London landlord has described the licensing system created by Greenwich Council as “punitive and aggressive” and believes it is resulting in landlords being barred from renting. Louise Jones says she may have to sell her two flats if she cannot find a solution. Under the council’s selective licensing scheme, landlords in certain areas are required to obtain a licence to rent single-household properties. As part of the application process, foreign landlords are reportedly being told they must have a UK address and undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Ms Jones claims none of her family or friends are willing to take on the responsibility of being licence-holders, so she may have no choice but to begin eviction proceedings against her tenants. She has accused Greenwich Council of having “ridiculous policies” and has expressed concern about policies that require landlords to purchase expensive, commercial-grade fire alarms and to carry out fire-risk assessments of their properties and public spaces.
Ms Jones and her husband were planning to return to the UK to retire, but now her plans are in jeopardy. She has complained to the council about the licensing scheme, but after more than 75 emails, says she is still waiting for answers. Ms Jones added that one council manager’s advice was to “give your tenants an eviction order” so she can apply for something which buys her six months of time with the council.
Ms Jones believes that as a foreign landlord, she is being hindered by the council. However, it is not known whether or not others have experienced similar issues. Greenwich Council has yet to give a public response to Ms Jones’s complaints
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