South Hams District Council would like inform landlords of new government legislation which will come into force on Monday 1 October 2018, requiring landlords to hold a license for houses of multiple occupation.
The new law, which is an amendment to the 2006 Housing Act, means that landlords who have a house used for multiple occupation (HMO) occupied by five or more people, who are not from the same family, will require a license.
A house in multiple occupation can include, but is not limited to, examples such as:
a house let as individual bed sitting rooms
a group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
hostels, some hotels, guesthouses
lodgings, and shared houses
houses converted into self-contained flats
5 bedroom house being rented to 5 single people, sharing facilities
4 bedroom house being rented to a non-married, couple and 3 single people, sharing facilities
There are extra requirements also put in place for existing multiple occupation houses to include, minimum sleeping room sizes and provision of waste facilities.
Landlords who have a property which is classed as a House in Multiple Occupation, or those who are in the process of setting up a rental property which falls within this category, are required to apply for a license before the 1 October 2018.
Cllr Hilary Bastone, South Hams District Councils Portfolio Holder for Customer First, says: “We want to make sure all Landlords are fully aware of the new law which comes into force in October 2018. If you have a House in Multiple Occupation you will be required by law to have a license.
“This means five or more people living independently of each other, within the same property.”
The Council’s Environmental Health Housing Team is committed to working with property owners to make sure licensing requirements are followed. If properties are found after the date which need a license, then a fixed penalty notice may be charged, which could be up to £30,000.
If you are uncertain if your property requires a license or you would like to apply, please visit the Council’s website at www.southhams.gov.uk/hmo
ENDS
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