Mandatory Licensing Requirements Rules
A licence is required where there are 5 or more persons from 2 or more households living together in a property. The licence will be valid for 5 years from the date of issue or 1 year from date of issue when there is compliance issues; it will specify the maximum number of occupants or households. The occupancy number will depend upon the number and size of rooms and the kitchen and bathroom facilities.
• The Council is required to maintain a Public Register of all premises licensed under this scheme, which can be viewed at the main office address, identified above.
• Any person who operates an HMO without the requisite licence or allows a greater number of occupants than that allowed by the licence will be guilty of an offence and may on conviction be liable to an unlimited fine.
• Failure to comply with any conditions attached to the licence may result in a financial penalty of up to £30,000 or prosecution with unlimited fine.
Fees
The fees for initial applications are based on a property consisting of five lettings and are as follows:
| Description | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION | 426 |
| HMO Application Fee | 426 |
| HMO Licence Fee up to 5 Units | 257 |
| Additional Licence Fee (per unit above 5) | 32 |
| Amendment of Licence | 35 |
The fee income will be used to provide the following services: • Processing of application and collection of fee
• Determination of Fit and Proper Person
• Inspection of the property, preparation of licence and re-visit if appropriate to verify compliance
• Enforcement and policing of houses in multiple occupation in the borough