SJ Treloar & Associates can confirm that on 6th April 2006 licensing for HMO's will come into force across England. This is borne out of the Housing Act 2004. Mandatory licensing is required for large high risk HMO's, but Local Authorities also have the discretion to licence other categories of HMO's.

Definition of an House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

Under the Housing Act 2004 an HMO is described as;

"a property which is occupied by more than one household that share bathrooms or cooking facilities with other households"

and

"a property which comprises self contained flats, but which fails to meet the minimum standard of the 1991 Building Regulations"

There are some exemptions from the definitions and SJ Treloar & Associates can offer further guidance on whether our clients properties are HMO's under the Housing Act.

The Act also replaces the current Fitness Standard with the new Housing Health and Safety Risk Rating System (HHSRRS) and is applicable to all HMO's.

Here are some of the places where we are currently working:
UK, Oxford, Oxfordshire, Liverpool, Hull, Birmingham, London, Bristol, Manchester, Berkshire, Midlands, Dorset, Bournemouth, Taunton, Cambridge.

Obtaining a licence

After 6th April 2006 landlords must apply and pay for licences for HMO's which will be granted by the Local Authority subject to a property inspection. The Local Authority will only issue the licence if the landlord is a ‘fit and proper person’ and if the property is of a suitable standard for occupation.

Licences must be applied for by 3rd July 2006 otherwise the landlord may face a fine of up to £20,000.

Mandatory licensing schemes

HMO's which comprise three or more storeys and are occupied by five or more people will be subject to mandatory licensing.

Additional licensing schemes

Local Authorities have the power to implement additional licensing schemes where they are aware of current problems with HMO's in their authority. Local Authorities have to obtain consent from the Secretary of State for any licensing schemes they wish to implement.

Contents of a licence

A licence will specify the maximum number of occupants; the condition of the property; details of how the property is managed and also detail any requirements for specified works to be undertaken.

SJ Treloar & Associates is an expert in dealing with HMO's and can advise existing and new clients on how HMO licensing will affect them.

We provide consultation, advice, inspection and project management in respect of manadatory HMO licensing, additional HMO licensing, Housing Health and Safety Risk Rating System (HHSRRS), HMO exemption, application and management.