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The laws for Houses of Multiple Occupancy changes soon!

The laws for Houses of Multiple Occupancy changes soon!

 

ADC HMO's Logo Just a few days to go before the legislation for Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) is due to change.


From Monday 1 October, new mandatory licensing rules state that the current ‘storey-height’ criteria for HMOs will be removed. This means any privately rented HMO that is occupied by five or more people who form two or more separate households, and who share basic amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, will require a license. This is regardless of the number of storeys the property has.


All Licensable properties must meet the required standards for houses in multiple occupation which are detailed in the Council’s Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation September 2018, found on the Arun District Council’s website www.arun.gov.uk/hmo


These properties must have a licence to operate. Landlords, who don’t already have a current licence, must submit a full valid application for a licence before 1 October 2018. It is an offence to operate such a property without a licence or fail to comply with any conditions.


The government has also introduced minimum sleeping room sizes and waste disposal requirements which will be included as license conditions.


If you already have an existing HMO licence, this will remain valid and its conditions will apply until the date the licence expires.


The extended mandatory licensing conditions (minimum sleeping room sizes and waste disposal requirements) will ONLY apply from the renewal of the existing licence.


To apply for a license landlords need to complete an HMO application form which can be found on the Arun District Council’s website www.arun.gov.uk/hmo, the website also includes information about the relevant fees.


Councillor Stephen Haymes, Cabinet Member for Technical Services said, “The Council continues it’s commitment to ensure standards within the private rented sector are improved and I urge landlords to take action immediately to ensure they have the required license.”


For further information please visit the Council’s website, contact Arun Direct on 01903 737755 or email publichealth.housing@arun.gov.uk