New fees for shared homes

Perth and Kinross Council’s Licensing Committee has unanimously agreed to increase fees for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOS) for the first time since 2000.

When the committee met on Wednesday, March 27 councillors were told the cost of applications had remained unchanged for 24 years.

Mandatory licensing of HMOS was first introduced in 2000 to address the high risks associated with accommodation occupied by multiple unrelated individuals.

An HMO licence is needed for any property that is lived in and shared by three or more individuals or families.

Since 2000 Perth and Kinross Council has had the following licensing structure in place with applications normally granted for three years – three to five occupants £714; six to 20 occupants - £760; 21 to 75 occupants - £862; 76 or more occupants - £954.

A report put before councillors said council officers“invest significantly more time inspecting properties with larger occupancies” as well as having to carry out spot checks. Councillors were told “officers often have to go and re-inspect a house”. As a result, a recommendation was put forward that a fee of £80 be introduced for any additional inspection.

The following new fees were agreed: three to five occupants - £785; six to 10 occupants - £864; 11 to 20 occupants - £950; 21 to 30 occupants £1045; 31 to 40 occupants - £1149; 41 to 50 occupants - £1298; 51 to 75 occupants - £1427; 76 to 100 occupants £1569; 101 or more occupants - £1725; inspection fee - £80.

PKC’S Licensing Department currently processes around 23 HMO applications each year - with 90 per cent being renewals and the average HMO licence holder having held their licence for at least 7.5 years.

Convener Bailie Mike Williamson moved to agree the revised scales and charges for HMO licences. It was seconded by fellow SNP councillor Iain Macpherson and unanimously approved by the committee.