Landlords beware! The licensing rules for your property may have changed – again.
The Government scrapped its ‘three-story’ rule for HMOs on October 1. Meaning that all properties with more than four people forming more than two households will now require a licence.
Example
If you have five students living together on a joint tenancy you will require a licence.
Previously, this applied only to properties of three stories or more. But now all property types are affected. And there’s even a minimum space requirement for bedrooms.
This change means that flats, maisonettes and two storey properties may require a licence. But flats situated in purpose-built blocks consisting of three or more flats will not require a licence.
“We welcome the upgrading of HMO standards but would caution that the introduction of minimum room sizing in particular, risks reducing capacity with potential knock-on effects on rent rises, as business plans are impacted,” said the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
If you are in doubt and would like an informal chat, call or pop into see one of the Horton and Garton team in our King Street branch. We can advise on any of the key issues affecting landlords, including licensing.
Changes
Local landlords have weathered two major changes in as many years.
Last year, Hammersmith & Fulham Council introduced selective licensing for landlords to improve conditions for renters and create a level playing field for landlords.
This affects all landlords in certain areas of the borough. Even if you are letting a property that does not meet the criteria for mandatory or additional licensing. If it’s in the designated selective licensing area you will need a licence.
The council says the scheme is aimed at tackling rogue landlords. So far, more than 3,000 properties in Hammersmith & Fulham have applied for licences.
You can find more guidance from the government here or you can discuss your situation with the Licensing department at Hammersmith & Fulham Council – click here.
Or if you are a landlord wanting more information, just call or pop into see one of the Horton and Garton team in our King Street branch. We can advise on any of the key issues affecting landlords, including licensing.
