The National Landlords Association (NLA) has warned Croydon Council that their plans
to extend the current landlord licensing scheme to include all landlords will deter
landlord investment in the area and force existing landlords to raise rents in order
to cover rising costs.
Increased Landlord Costs
The current landlord licensing scheme in Croydon only applies to landlords with Houses
of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), but the council has begun to consult on new proposals
that will extend the scheme to all homes in the private rental sector. If the scheme
goes ahead, landlords will face increased costs of up to £1,000 per property, which
they will have to pass on to their tenants. The proposal will also force landlords to
take responsibility for managing anti-social behaviour and monitoring visitors to
their properties.
The NLA, along with local MP, Gavin Barwell, are strongly opposed to the scheme and
are urging landlords and tenants to attend a meeting on 25 September to discuss the
matter. Croydon Council representatives have also been invited to attend.
Landlord Stealth Tax
“It doesn’t take a genius to work out what will happen if this scheme goes ahead –
landlords will simply pass the additional cost on to their tenants. It is a classic
Labour stealth tax that is predicted to raise over £4.5 million for the council,
lifted straight from the pockets of hardworking residents. Introducing a stealth tax,
which will lead to some of the most vulnerable people in society facing even higher
rents, is beneath contempt,” says Gavin Barwell.
