Guidance for local authorities and landlords on HMO licensing

The following document has been issued by The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government today: “Houses in multiple occupations (HMOs) and residential property licensing reform: guidance for local housing authorities.”

You can find full document here. It is intended to local housing authorities but is also meant to be of use for landlords, to help them understand how to put into effect the reforms to HMO licensing.

Starting from October 2018, landlords letting a property to five or more people from two or more separate households must have a license from their local housing authority.

Under the Housing Act 2004, HMOs that are occupied by 5 or more people, with 3 or more storeys high and forming at least 2 separate households, have to be licensed.

With effect from October 1st, mandatory licensing of HMOs will be extended so that smaller properties which accommodate 5 or more people, in 2 or more separate households will in most cases necessitates a licence.

New obligatory conditions to be included in licences have also been introduced, imposing national minimum sizes for rooms used as sleeping accommodation and instructing landlords to comply with council refuse schemes.

Heather Wheeler MP (Housing Minister) said:

“Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live. Today’s new guidance for landlords will further protect private renters against bad and overcrowded conditions and poor management practice.”