Reduced Services
Accessing Council Services:
You can now access services, get advice and support, and transact with us in the following ways:
- By accessing our wide range of 24/7 online services
- By emailing directly to the relevant service
- By phoning First Contact on 01268 882200 (8.45am to 5.15pm Mon to Thurs, and to 4.45pm on Fri).
- By pre-booked appointment at the Kiln Road office (9.00am to 4.00pm Mon to Fri) - these can be arranged by phoning First Contact on 01268 882200.
Private Sector Housing FAQ's
Questions
- What is a House in Multiple Occupation?
- What is a Household?
- How long is a licence valid?
- Are there any conditions?
- Are there any exemptions?
What is a House in Multiple Occupation?
Non-licensable HMO |
|
Law |
S. 254, of the Housing Act 2004 |
Definition |
An entire house or flat which is let to:
|
Licensable HMO |
|
Law |
Part 2 Housing Act 2004 |
Definition |
Buildings that are;
|
Certain converted blocks of flats |
|
Law |
s.257, of the Housing Act 2004 |
Definition |
|
What is a Household?
A household is defined under s.258 of the Housing Act 2004 as:
Persons are to be regarded as forming a single household if:
- All members of the household are related or
- If a couple are living as husband or wife (or equivalent relationship)
How long is a licence valid?
You require a separate licence for each HMO you run and the licence is valid for 5 years
Are there any conditions?
You must make sure:
- the house is suitable for the number of occupants (e.g. size and facilities)
- the manager of the house - you or an agent - is considered to be ‘fit and proper’, e.g. no criminal record, or breach of landlord laws or code of practice
You must also:
- send the Council an updated gas safety certificate every year
- install and maintain smoke alarms
- provide safety certificates for all electrical appliances when requested
The Council may add other conditions to your license, e.g. improving the standard of your facilities.
Are there any exemptions?
HMOs exempt from licensing include
- buildings, or parts of buildings, occupied by no more than two households each of which comprise a single person (that is. two person flat shares)
- buildings occupied by a resident landlord with up to two tenants buildings managed or owned by a public body (such as the police or the NHS) or an LHA or a Registered Social Landlord
- buildings where the residential accommodation is ancillary to the principal use of the building, for example religious establishments, conference centre’s and such like:
- student halls of residence, where the education establishment has signed up to an Approved Code of Practice
- buildings regulated otherwise than under the Act, such as care homes, bail hostels etc, and the description of which are specified in regulations
- buildings entirely occupied by freeholders or long leaseholders