Landlords with five or more occupants need licence

LANDLORDS may need to apply for a licence following recent changes to legislation.

The changes apply to any landlord who lets a property with five or more occupants living as two or more households.

Landlords must apply to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for a licence by October 1.

Previously this type of prop- erty only required a licence – known as a House in Multiple Occupation Licence (HMO) - if it consisted of three or more storeys.

However, changes to mandatory licensing from central government mean that all properties let in this way now need to be licensed.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council charge for these licences, but the charge is tailored to the size of the HMO and the number of occupants living in them.

Failure to apply for a licence for an HMO could result in prosecution or civil penalties with fines of up to £30,000.

Councillor Mike Hall, leader and executive member for Housing and Community Safety at the borough council, said: “This new license is good news for tenants living in HMOs.

“It gives tenants the security to know that the property they rent is being managed properly and meets certain safety standards.

“Licences will only be issued where the standards are being met.

“Landlords who want to let property in this way will need to ensure they meet the required standard and apply for a licence in order to avoid a hefty fine.”

Visit the council website for more information.

If you are in any doubt about whether these changes apply to you, contact the Private Sector Housing team by calling Hinckley 255 734 or emailing PrivateSectorHousing@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk.