Landlords renting out properties could be made to apply for licences in a bid to drive up housing standards in Enfield.

The council is drawing up plans for additional and selective licensing schemes designed to cover most of the borough’s privately rented homes.

If the schemes go ahead, landlords will have to meet certain conditions set out by the council, such as carrying out safety checks and ensuring properties are not overcrowded or dangerous.

The council says the two schemes would help to improve the conditions of privately rented property, cut anti-social behaviour and lead to better management standards.

Residents are being asked to have their say on the proposals in a 13-week consultation that will run until November 29.

Cllr George Savva, cabinet member for licensing and regulatory services, said: “With more people living in private rented accommodation, and in poor conditions, it is more important than ever that we introduce licensing schemes to ensure properties in the private rented sector are good quality, safe and secure.

“Licensing the private rented sector will improve housing standards, help reduce deprivation, improve tenants’ safety and quality of life, and improve the quality of our communities.”

The council wants to introduce two schemes known as additional and selective licensing.

Selective licensing would apply to all privately rented properties that are occupied by one household – whether single persons or couples, or one family – within fourteen wards in Enfield.

Additional licensing expands a mandatory Government scheme to cover a wider range of houses in multiple occupation, including homes that are split into separate bedsits.

The schemes could require landlords to do things like provide written tenancy agreements, undertake safety checks and respond to tenant requests for repairs.

Cllr Savva added: “Many landlords offer good quality, safe and well managed private rented homes, but some take advantage of residents and rent out dangerous, cold and damp, overcrowded and poor-quality accommodation.

“A licensing scheme would set standards that will improve housing conditions and make it far harder for unscrupulous landlords to rent out substandard, dangerous and overcrowded properties.”

For more information, and to take part in the consultation, visit: www.enfield.gov.uk/prsl