Houses In Multiple Occupation
If you own a HMO you will be aware that the law has changed in recent years to cover properties that are occupied by multiple tenants. A property probably qualifies as a HMO If people live in a property with two or more people who are not related and atleast one of them pays rent, shares the kitchen or toliet facilities. This can include some shared houses or flats, a house that has been converted into flats, and properties used as guest houses.
As you will know these types of properties now have to be licensed in order to be used for the purposes of a HMO. A lot of new regulations have been imposed on landlords and must be applied to the property.
As of 2006 a license is compulsory for shared accommodation of three storeys or more which is occupied five or more people who live in two or more seperate households. A household may be made of up to two people who are married or are civil partners. The household can also be made up of people related to each other, or may include nannies or other domestic staff living with the family.
Landlords Obligations
Many landlords will be aware that they have to maintain there properties to a reasonable standard and will also have to have the necessary gas safety certificate and electrical safety certicates before they can let the property. They will also be required to install fire doors throughout the property and have regular fire safety checks carried out.
You will also find that once a property has been registered at the local authority it will be very difficult to have this status lifted as the governments aim is to provide accommodation to meet local and national housing needs.
if you have a property that is deemed to be a HMO and you have not obtained the required licence from your local authority you could face a fine of up to £20,000
If you are considering selling a property that is registered as a HMO please speak to one of our sales team.
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