Media Warning

1st March 2006

T. Wyn Jones

You may have heard in the media lately that unless private landlords register with their Local Authority they run the risk of a fine of up to £20,000. But what they don’t tell you is that the issue of licensing relates only to landlords who let out houses in multiple occupation.

Houses in Multiple Occupation or HMO’s as they are termed are defined as properties comprising three or more tenants forming more than two households.

The licensing rules appear to be yet another attempt by the Government to address a particular problem, in this instance the sometimes squalid living conditions suffered by students, immigrant works and asylum seekers, but carried out by an ill thought and “big stick” approach.

Only now at this late stage is the issue of licensing being brought to the attention of the local public and in such a way that it is causing great concern to the majority of Landlords in the UK who are law abiding, of an excellent quality and let their houses out to single families, and thus being specifically excluded from the new regulations.

For those of you to which the new regulations will apply in practice will have to apply to the Local Authority for the requisite licence which will only be granted if the Local Authority is satisfied that the property is in a suitable condition and that the property manager is a fit and proper person.

The possible penalty if the landlords do not apply by the deadline of 3rd July - a fine of up to £20,000!

To check as to whether you require a licence or wish to receive further information contact your Local Authority or the website www.propertylicence.gov.uk