In our previous articles, we looked at various aspects of property licencing. This week, we have created a list of useful websites. So if your property is unlicensed, keep this list in a safe space – it will help you to find information more easily.

Searching the internet for information can be overwhelming.  Hence we have created a list of useful websites you can turn to in case your property is unlicenced. The list includes links to relevant support teams at the Council, organizations that may help with Rent Repayment Orders, and websites with step-by-step guides on processes.

Licence Register

• Find out what type of licence your property needs. Información en español.
• Check if your property has a licence

Southwark Council’s Private Sector Teams

• To get in touch with the Private Sector Enforcement Team if:
  • you live in an unlicenced property
  • your landlord is threatening you
  • your landlord has illegally evicted you.
• Get in touch with the Tenancies Relations Service Team if:
  • the relationship with your landlord has broken down
  • you are at risk of losing your home
  • your landlord wants to evict you.

Disrepair

• Notify the Council if your property is in disrepair

Homelessness

• To notify The Housing Solutions Service, you will need a referral. Referrals can be obtained from organizations such as:
  • Citizens Advice Southwark
  • Tenancy Relations Service at Southwark Council

The referrals can be made if you are homeless OR if you reside in a property which the Council has deemed an imminent risk to your health & safety.

Info on HMO standards and restrictions

• Find out about HMO standards and restrictions. The link contains information on:
  • the regulations which landlords must follow if the property is rented out to more than 3 people from 2 or more different households;
  • minimum size standards of rooms;
  • maximum number of people;
  • health & safety standards for HMO properties;
  • other relevant obligations.

Complaints

• File a complaint if you are not satisfied with Southwark Council’s inspection or decision regarding your property
• Complain to Housing Ombudsman

Please note, that in order for you to raise the complaint with Housing Ombudsman, you must first make a complaint to the Council and allow them to review your complaint first. If you are unsatisfied with The Council’s review and decision, you can then make a further claim with the Housing Ombudsman. Do not skip these steps because the ombudsman will ask for proof that you have followed the procedure before turning to them for help.

Rent Repayment Orders (RROs)

• To pursue legal action against your landlord, you can contact Justice For Tenants. Justice For Tenants can help you if:
  • your landlord has failed to apply for a license
  • you live an unlicened property with disrepair issues
  • you want to recover your rent from your landlord who has failed to license your property.
• View or download a RRO1 form
• A step-by-step guide on RRO1 processes
• Read about associated costs
• Understand how the court process works

Legal Advice

You can seek legal advice, pro bono representation or conditional fee agreements such as no-win-no-fee from the following organizations and companies:

• Southwark Law Centre
• Legal Advice Clinic at LSBU 
• Anthony Gold Solicitors
• Justice For Tenants
• Rent Repayment Order

Further Support

See a full list of organizations and companies that offer support to private tenants in Southwark

We hope you found this list of useful websites helpful. Have a question or feedback about this article? Contact us via our webform and we will get back to you!