The foundations are clear: “You will be prosecuted or fined if you happen to’re a landlord or managing agent for a property that wants a licence and don’t get one.”
That’s based on Southwark Council’s web site, the realm that covers chancellor Rachel Reeves’ household residence, which was rented out final 12 months with out the related selective license.
Reeves has admitted renting out her Southwark household residence with out the mandatory licence, breaking housing guidelines that clearly state landlords or managing brokers can face prosecution or fines for non-compliance.
The chancellor reportedly knowledgeable prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, the unbiased ethics adviser, and parliament’s requirements commissioner of the oversight.
In her defence, Reeves says she relied on a letting company that didn’t alert her that the property required a licence. She rented out the house after shifting right into a Downing Avenue flat following final 12 months’s election win.
A spokesperson for Reeves described the state of affairs as an “inadvertent mistake” and confirmed that she has now utilized for the licence.
Opposition MPs have referred to as on the prime minister to take motion, whereas Reeves’ group emphasises her immediate response and transparency.
A spokesperson for Rachel Reeves stated: “Since turning into chancellor Rachel Reeves has rented out her household residence by means of a lettings company.
“She had not been made conscious of the licencing requirement, however as quickly because it was dropped at her consideration she took instant motion and has utilized for the licence.
“This was an inadvertent mistake and within the spirit of transparency she has made the prime minister, the Unbiased Adviser on Ministerial Requirements and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Requirements conscious.”
Nick Watt, the political editor of Newsnight on BBC 2, advised viewers final night time that whereas the chancellor didn’t observe the foundations in her council by acquiring a license, it’s his understanding that the rental settlement she signed will present that her letting company said that if a rental licence was wanted, the letting company would advise her.
With obligation technically resting with the owner, however the letting company, which is but to be named, additionally going through criticism for failing to advise her, the query stays: who is admittedly at fault?
EYE NEWSFLASH: Chancellor referred to ethics watchdog for unlicensed HMO
