The Housing Act 2004 introduced new provisions for the control and licensing of larger multi occupied houses. These came into force on 6 April 2006.
The new licensing process is designed to ensure that these larger properties are safe for the occupants with adequate fire precautions and proper standards and amenities.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) comprising three or more storeys and occupied by five or more persons (comprising at least two households) must be licensed. Financial penalties can be imposed for those properties which are not notified to the local authority.
"Storeys" include basements and attics if they are occupied (including by a resident landlord) or have been converted for occupation or which are in use in connection with the HMO. Commercial premises on the ground or any upper floor are also included in the calculation of the number of stories, but not basements in purely commercial use.
"Persons" mean anyone occupying the property as their only or main residence. There is no distinction between children and adults, meaning children are counted from birth.
If you are a landlord or tenant and you consider that your property falls into this category, please contact us. If appropriate, we will then supply you with the necessary registration forms.
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