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Licence - homes in multiple occupancy

New Licensing changes from 6th April 2006 - Housing Act 2004

A major change is on the way to improve the standards of shared housing in the District. The parts of the Housing Act 2004 relating to the licensing of HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) and the new Housing Health and Safety Rating System for assessing property conditions will come in on 6 April.

The Act requires landlords of many Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to apply for licences. The HMOs that need to be licensed are those with:

• three or more storeys, which are
• occupied by five or more people forming two or more households (ie people not related, living together as a couple, etc), and
• which have an element of shared facilities (eg kitchen, bathroom, etc)
  Attics and basements are included as storeys if they are used as living accommodation. For the new definition of household, think 'family', eg couples (whether married or not), their children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

Previously, HMOs were only defined as houses converted into flats or bedsits, but the new Act widens this definition and many more shared houses are now included.

Landlords will need to apply to the Council's Private Sector Housing team for the licences from 6 April. There will be a three-month 'period of grace' and landlords must make their application before 3 July, or risk incurring a fine - it will be illegal for landlords to operate the properties covered in the Act without a licence after that date.

If you think your property may need to be licensed or have any questions, please ring Environmental Health on (01746) 713150 or e-mail us on health@bridgnorth-dc.gov.uk. More information is also available on the government website at www.propertylicence.gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions

What is a HMO?

'HMO' stands for House in Multiple Occupation. However, it does not have to be a house. It can be a building or a part of a building if:

• it is used for living accommodation
• by more than two people
• who are not part of the same family
• who share one or more basic amenities (bath/shower, WC or kitchen)
• and pay rent

In certain circumstances, some converted properties can also be HMOs.

What will licensing mean?

Landlords will have to complete application forms and pay a fee, and we will then assess whether the property is suitable for the number of people the landlord wants to rent it to. In most cases, we will visit the property to assess if kitchen facilities and fire precautions are adequate. We will then decide whether or not to grant a licence, and if the license needs to include any conditions requiring any changes. We have to consult with the landlord about the proposed licence before we finalise it.

We have some limited information about what the government may intend as standards, but it is not complete at present. One bath or shower and one WC will be required for five people sharing. Cooking facilities need to be appropriate for the number of occupiers.

In addition to annual gas safety certificates, landlords will be required to produce electrical safety certificates, although these will last for five years. Fire precautions will vary depending on the property.