HMO Landlords: Get ready for licensing
The rules around managing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are changing and Telford & Wrekin Council is advising landlords to get ready for it.
From 1 October this year, the law will require HMOs with 5 or more people living as 2 or more households to be licensed. Currently licensable HMOs have to be three or more storeys with 5 or more people but that will no longer be the case from October.
The rule changes, brought in by central government will also mean new minimum room sizes will apply to properties. In addition, landlords who renew their licences will have to adhere to new enhanced conditions. The changes have been brought in by central government.
It means all HMOs under this new definition will have to have a licence by law.
Telford & Wrekin Council will issue those licences and it is encouraging landlords to become aware of the changes and prepare for when they have to apply for them.
Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Enforcement said: “The first things landlords and managing agents must do are read up on the new rules and laws and complete a basic DBS check.
“The DBS check will need to be completed and then included as part of the HMO licence application which can be performed at https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record . This needs to be done before landlords apply for their licence, which they will be able to do on the Council’s website from mid-September.
“It’s important that landlords are aware of the change in the law and we will do all we can to help them make sure both they and their properties meet the legal requirements."
Further information and guidance on HMOs and licensing can be found here
