What are the changes to mandatory HMO licensing from 1 October 2018?
If you are a landlord or managing agent and let out a property as a licensable House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), that property must have a valid licence.
New regulations came into force on 1 October 2018 regarding houses in multiple occupation which change the definition of a licensable HMO and the mandatory conditions that are included in the licence issued by the council.
The changes extend mandatory licensing to include any HMO which is occupied by 5 or more people, in 2 or more households, where occupiers lack or share bathrooms, toilets and cooking facilities regardless of the number of storeys.
New rules will also come into force setting minimum size requirements for bedrooms in HMOs to prevent overcrowding. Landlords will also be required to adhere to council refuse schemes, to reduce problems with rubbish.
If you think any of your properties fall within the new definition then you will need to apply for a licence or you will be committing a criminal offence. Landlords and managing agents are being encouraged to apply as soon as possible so that a licence can be issued on the introduction of the new legislation.
If you currently have an HMO licensed under the council’s additional licensing scheme which operates in Goole and it falls under the new definition of a mandatory licensable HMO, your current licence will remain valid and no action is needed until it comes up for renewal.
Further information about the changes can be found on the Legislation.gov.uk website:
The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018