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Landlords of homes with occupants in multiple occupation need to be aware that, as of 6th April this year, they will need to apply for a licence in order to let their properties.
HMO licensing forms part of the Housing Act 2004. There are two types of HMO licensing. Mandatory licensing is likely to be required for all properties of three or more storeys which are occupied by five or more people forming two or more house-holds. Additional licensing will be at the discretion of the local authority
Landlords of homes in multiple occupancy HMO’s , for example properties where five or more students or other sharers live in multi-storey accommodation, may well be required to fulfil certain set criteria and pay a licence fee in order to continue letting their properties. Criteria will vary from local authority to local authority.
The Government is implementing the licences as part of the Housing Act 2004, a main objective of which is to ensure that sub-standard properties are no longer being let, and that all tenants in the private sector are guaranteed safe living environments which provide a good quality of life. Landlords who do not comply with the new legislation will forfeit their right to serve section 21 notices, meaning that they will be unable to regain vacant possession of their property.
Jan Bartlett, FNAEA, owner of Premier Letting Agency in Oxford says; “Oxford City Council has just set its fees for HMO Licensing at £800 and the licence will last for five years. Nationwide, fees may vary from £400 to £1,000. It is very important for landlords to either educate themselves quickly for the changes, or enlist a professional letting agent who will help them prepare, as this all happens in under 4 weeks time.”
Chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents Peter Bolton King says; “The NAEA has been holding seminars around the country to educate and train its members on the intricacies of this new legislation. Agents who do not belong to a professional body like the NAEA are unlikely to be able to help landlords with the process, which is a step in the right direction in terms of eliminating any ‘back-street cowboys’ still trading in the industry. We applaud the Government for taking this important step to reform the private rented sector.”
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