Landlords; Reminder to Obtain HMO Licence
The government has extended licensing provisions from 1 October 2018; this means that landlords who let out properties with any number of storeys that have 5 or more tenants, who aren’t related, and who share facilities like kitchens or lavatories, will require a HMO licence from the local housing authority.
The government believes that the new rules will help to protect at least 850,000 more people in privately rented homes, from poor living conditions and overcrowding.
Failure to obtain a HMO licence means that landlords could face enforcement action.
If you have a house in multiple occupation (“HMO”), which already has a licence under a local authority ‘additional or selective licensing’ scheme, then until the licence expires, you will not need to apply for a new one.
Please see the below press release from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-housing-rental-rules-to-protect-thousands-of-tenants
