Inspecting your property

As part of the property licensing process, we may need to carry out an inspection. This is to check compliance with the conditions of the licence that we have issued.  

We are committed to working with landlords to educate and to improve standards across the sector. However, non-compliance with the conditions is a criminal offence which may lead to enforcement action being taken against the licence holder and managing agent in the most serious of cases.  

When we inspect properties

We carry out inspections based on the level of risk starting with the highest risk properties first.

Before an inspection

When we are ready to inspect your property, will send an email with a link to book an inspection. We will send you reminders each week.

After an inspection

We will send you the inspection report with the result of the inspection. There are three possible results:

• Unsatisfactory - where we have found serious matters and we will take this further, such as when there are undersized bedrooms and Category 1 hazards
• Satisfied with conditions - we have found some issues that do not meet licence conditions or there is disrepair but they are less serious than 'unsatisfactory' inspections
• Satisfied with no concerns - No or few issues with non-compliance and disrepair

Unlicensed properties

How we identify unlicensed properties

We use several data sources to find unlicensed properties, including checking these against existing licences and licence applications.

If we believe a property is unlicensed, we will investigate. This may include making an unannounced visit to the property.

If the property is unlicensed, we may take enforcement action.

Enforcement action

Operating an unlicensed property is an offence, which can lead to: 

• prosecution and a fine of an unlimited amount or a Civil Penalty Notice of up to £40,000 
• issuing of a reduced term licence
• us adding the person committing the offence to the Mayor of London’s rogue landlord database

Tenants who have been living in an unlicensed property may be able to reclaim any rent they paid while the property was unlicensed.