On 6th April 2006 mandatory licensing of Houses in Multiple
Occupation (HMO) came into force across England. Landlords whose
property is classed as a HMO must apply for a license.
We can help!
We offer advice and guidance to Landlords who think they
may need to submit a HMO licensing application to their Local
Authority. As specialists in our field we are able to provide a
service to Landlords that will assist with a HMO license
application.
If you would like a member of our team to contact you to discuss
HMO licensing process please
click here
What is HMO?
A House in Multiple Occupation is:
- An entire house or flat which is let to 3 or more tenants who
form 2 or more households and who share aminities
- A house which has been converted into bedsits or other
non-self-contained accommodation and which is let to 3 or more
tenants who form two or more households and who share
amenities
- A converted house which contains one or more flats which are
not self contained and which is occupied by 3 or more tenants who
form two or more households
- A building which is converted into self-contained flats if the
conversion did not meet the standards of the 1991 Building
Regulations and more than one-third of the flats are let on
short-term tenancies
- In order to be an HMO the property must be used as the tenants'
only or main residence and it should be used solely or mainly to
house tenants. Properties let to students and migrant workers will
be treated as their only or main residence and the same will apply
to properties which are used as domestic refuges
How does it affect me?
If your property is classed as an HMO you may need to apply for a
HMO license. From 1st July 2006 you could face a fine of up to
£20,000 and / or your property could be placed under a management
order.
The proposed licence holder and any manager of the property must
be:
- A fit and proper person
- The most appropriate person to hold the licence
And the HMO property must:
- Meet proper management standards
- Be reasonably suitable, or can be made suitable, for occupation
by the number of tenants allowed under the licence with at least
the minimum prescribed standards of amenities and
facilities