How many private renters are there in Enfield?
According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2020 there were 70,200 private renters in the borough—14,000 fewer private renters than in 2015. This decrease might have been temporary, as many people left after the start of the Covid pandemic. Either way, there are still plenty of private renters to campaign with!
What about getting a council house?
In Enfield, the average price for a home cost almost 13 times more than average earnings in 2020- up from 11.87 in 2015. With current figures expected to be higher, buying a house is not possible for many private renters.
Is getting a council house out of the question?
Well, as of April 2021 there were 4,572 households waiting for a council house in the borough. Considering Enfield Council only have around 550 social housing properties available each year to let, many people (including private renters) will be waiting for several months, most likely years before getting a council home.
Looks like we’re stuck in the private rented sector then. What’s it going to cost?
In the 12 months leading up to March 2016, according to Valuation Office Agency, median (average) monthly rents in Enfield were:
Room in a shared house: £550
Studio: £800
One bedroom flat: £950
Two bedroom flat: £1,250
Three bedrooms: £1,500
Four bedroom house: £1,950
The private rental market crisis has intensified since 2016 impacting rent prices across the country but more so in London.
In the 12 months leading up to September 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics median (average) monthly rents for Enfield were:
Room in a shared house: £638
One bedroom flat: £1,050
Two bedroom flat: £1,250
Three bedrooms: £1,650
Four bedroom house: £2,000
Covering the costs
Considering the figures above exclude bills and council tax, the costs for private renters in Enfield are high. Findings from the English Housing Survey (2019-2020) indicate that private renters in London spend an average of 42% of their household income on rent.
Are there private renters who rely on housing benefits to stay afloat?
Yes- 18,525 private renters claimed housing benefits in Enfield to cover their rent in 2015. Unfortunately, the data hasn’t been updated to reflect more recent times but considering the rising cost of living and exponential rents, this figure is expected to be higher.
And does housing benefit cover it all?
Not quite. This often means that private tenants have to make other sacrifices just to be able to live. The amount of Local Housing Allowance you can receive from April 2024 is:
Shared Accommodation Rate: £593.36
One Bedroom Rate: £1146.86
Two Bedrooms Rate: £1396.16
Three Bedrooms Rate: £1690.35
Four Bedrooms Rate: £2193.97
Can I talk to someone at the council about problems with my private landlord?
If you have problems with disrepair in your home, you should telephone the Housing Enforcement team 020 8379 1000. They’re available from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm. The team can take action against landlords who leave your home in a state of disrepair.
Are there any Tenancy Relations Officers (TROs)?
Yes! Private rented sector tenancy relations officers are part of the Enfield Council Housing Enforcement team. They offer advice to renters and support on issues including disrepair, illegal eviction, and harassment. If the owner of your home (or their agent) is unresponsive or treats you badly, you can contact the team via email or telephone 020 8379 1000.
Do private landlords in have to get a licence?
All landlords in England and Wales need to license larger Houses in Multiple Occupation but in a bid to ensure that legal standards are met in all private rented homes.
Across LB Enfield, Additional licensing applies to a house or flat shared by three or more people who are not all members of the same family. Since the additional licensing scheme started in 2020, over 1,200 HMO licence applications have been received and over 1,100 additional licences granted.
Further, Enfield Council operates Selective Licensing for all rented homes in the council Wards of Bowes, Chase Edmonton Green, Enfield Highway, Enfield Lock, Haselbury, Jubilee, Lower Edmonton, Palmers Green, Ponders End, Southbury, Southgate Green, Turkey Street and Upper Edmonton. Enfield’s selective licensing scheme started on 1 September 2021 and applies to all privately rented homes of any size. It is the landlord’s job to apply and to pay for a licence, not yours.
Is there a PRS forum run by the council where private renters can discuss ways of making private renting fairer?
No. Maybe some renters should get together and form one.
How many prosecutions against criminal landlords has Enfield Council made?
The council has served over 350 legal notices and taken action against 13 landlords for licensing and housing regulation offences. They’ve also imposed civil penalties (fines) for poor property condition and management.
The enforcement team tells us that they are exasperated by the lengths that criminal landlords will go to to avoid detection. Still, Enfield Council aims to inspect every HMO before issuing a full licence. Since 2020, 70% of properties inspected have needed repair or improvement work to meet relevant safety and housing standard.
Who else should I talk to about making private renting in Enfield fairer?
You can speak to any of your local Councillors about issues in your home. If you know which Ward you live in, you can find their contact details here
Then, there is a Cabinet Member for each area of the borough
Enfield North
Ahmet Hasan
email:
tel.: 020 8379 2474
Enfield South East
Mustafa Cetinkaya
email:
tel.: 02083792071
Enfield West
Chris James
email:
Also,
Councillor Susan Erbil
Cabinet Member for Licensing, Planning and Regulatory Services (including property licensing)
email:
tel.: 020 8379 2066