HMO
Licensing
In the dynamic landscape of the UK property market, compliance with property licensing regulations is paramount for both landlords
and tenants.
Our comprehensive approach aims to guide landlords through the intricacies of mandatory, additional and selective licensing to ensure adherence to local standards and regulations.
Mandatory Licensing
Ensuring Basic Standards
Overview: Mandatory licensing is a legal requirement for certain types of properties to maintain essential living standards. This licensing applies to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) that meet specific criteria.
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Criteria: Properties falling under mandatory licensing typically include those with:
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Three or more stories
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Five or more occupants forming two or more households
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Shared facilities such as bathrooms or kitchens
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Key Responsibilities: Landlords must adhere to rigorous safety and management standards. This includes providing adequate fire safety measures, ensuring the suitability of the property for occupation, and maintaining satisfactory amenities.
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Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to obtain mandatory licensing can result in severe penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. It is crucial for landlords to understand and fulfil their obligations to avoid legal consequences.
Additional Licensing
Expanding Coverage for Certain Properties
Overview: Additional licensing goes beyond mandatory requirements, extending licensing to specific types of properties not covered by mandatory licensing. This often includes smaller HMOs that might not meet the criteria for mandatory licensing.
Criteria: The criteria for additional licensing vary between local authorities. Generally, it includes properties with:
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A certain number of unrelated occupants
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Shared facilities
Key Responsibilities: Landlords must comply with additional safety and amenity standards set by local authorities. This may include providing suitable waste disposal facilities, ensuring the property is well-maintained, and addressing anti-social behaviour issues promptly.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Similar to mandatory licensing, non-compliance with additional licensing requirements can result in significant penalties. Landlords need to stay informed about local regulations to avoid legal ramifications.
Selective Licensing
Targeting Areas with Specific Issues
Overview: Selective licensing is applied to specific areas where there are perceived issues with housing standards and management practices. It allows local authorities to address problems unique to certain locations.
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Criteria: Selective licensing criteria vary widely and are determined by local authorities. It may apply to all privately rented properties within a designated area, regardless of HMO status.
Key Responsibilities: Landlords in selectively licensed areas must meet additional conditions set by local authorities. This could include mandatory checks on the suitability of the landlord, ensuring a satisfactory standard of property management, and addressing specific local concerns.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Penalties for non-compliance with selective licensing are enforced by local authorities and can include fines, license revocation, or prosecution. Compliance is essential to maintain the reputation of the property and avoid legal consequences.
Why choose us?
Local Insight: Our expertise spans every London borough, allowing us to offer borough-specific compliance strategies.
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Comprehensive Approach: Beyond meeting minimum standards, we proactively ensure properties exceed safety and amenity expectations.
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Proactive and Informed: Stay ahead of regulatory changes with our proactive approach, mitigating risks and protecting property reputations.
Risk Mitigation: Landlords will benefit from a comprehensive risk management strategy. We identify potential compliance issues early, mitigating risks and protecting the reputation of the property.