Row of typical English terraced houses in West Hampstead, London.
An extension of the mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing will come in to effect from 1st October 2018,
with the aim to provide guidance to landlords to prevent tenants from living in poor conditions.
Currently, a property requires a mandatory licence if the following apply:
• The building comprises 3 or more storeys;
• Is occupied by 5 or more people living in two or more single households; and
• The occupiers share basic amenities such as washing and cooking facilities.
Under the extension, properties requiring licensing won’t be limited to 3 or more storeys and will take into account buildings with 1 or 2 storeys.
New rules will also come into force setting minimum size requirements for bedrooms in HMOs to avoid overcrowding. Landlords will also be required to adhere to council refuse schemes to reduce problems with waste.
Landlords must apply for the new licence before 1st October 2018 in order to lawfully continue renting out the property or else face a large fine.
For further details about the new HMO licensing or to discuss letting your property, please contact Kellie Marsh, Residential Lettings Manager at Robinson & Hall, at kam@robinsonandhall.co.uk or on 01234 362937.