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Question Title: My HMO is already registered

Question:
What happens if my property is already in a local authority registration scheme?
Answer:
First you need to see whether your property is still an HMO and then, whether it is one which requires a licence.
  • If your property needs to be licensed under the new system  and your property is registered under a notification scheme, where the local housing authority simply keep records of HMO properties in the area, you will have to apply for a licence
  • If your property is already registered under a local housing authority registration scheme with controls, that is to say one which requires you to meet certain standards, then special arrangements will apply.  You will need to contact your local housing authority
  • If your property meets the criteria for mandatory licensing it will be passported straight into that scheme with no costs or application form for you to complete.  The licence will last until the date that the registration would have expired.  The local housing authority will inform you that your property is licensed and tell you when it is due to expire.
  • If your property does not have to be registered under the national mandatory licensing scheme the local housing authority can decide whether to set up special additional licensing schemes, known as transitional licensing schemes.  The special schemes last for up to 3 years and registered HMOs are passported in free of charge.  The licence lasts until the date that the registration would have expired.  The local housing authority will inform you that your property is licensed and tell you when it is due to expire.
At the end of the 3 year period the transitional licensing scheme will come to an end and the local housing authority will have to decide whether to continue with additional licensing.  They will have to consult local landlords and other interested parties first.

The local housing authority does not have to set up a transitional licensing scheme.  It can choose to allow such properties to drop out of licensing if it does not feel that there is a significant problem with them.  Whichever option it chooses, it must inform the registered landlords.

You should contact the local housing authority where your properties are situated to discuss their plans for transitional arrangements.
References: Pages: Hyperlinks:
Letting Handbook Chapter 16 product-info/products/letting-handbook-and-factsheets.html
Letting Update Journal July 2005 p14
 product-info/products/letting-update-journal.html
Letting Factsheet No 40 letting-factsheets/factsheets/factsheet-40-houses-in-multiple-occupation-and-the-housing-act-2004.html
Letting Factsheet No 41 letting-factsheets/factsheets/factsheet-41-management-of-houses-in-multiple-occupation-regs-2006.html

 


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