Update to HMO licensing from October 2010

Further to scottfraser’s HMO report in May 2010, Oxford City Council (OCC) have now announced that additional HMO licensing will come into force on 25 October 2010.

We are pleased to see that the OCC have interpreted the new Use Class Changes favourably and are likely to only include properties with four or more sharers or those that are being monitored for bad practice.

Landlords with self–contained flats within converted buildings may now also fall under the mandatory housing license, if building approval was not sought under The Building Regulations 1991. However OCC have advised that they will be focusing on houses initially.

We will be liaising with our landlords and the OCC over the coming weeks to ensure that applications are made for planning consent where necessary and any changes to comply with safety standards are made. We are taking this pro–active approach before the October deadline to avoid issues which could result in void periods for landlords.

The property standards and safety requirements will follow the LACoRS guidelines and will include a risk–based improvement scheme. scottfraser already hold copies of these guidelines and are able to provide advice for landlords with HMO properties.

If you are concerned about the changes to HMO licensing please feel free to contact us. We are happy to provide impartial advice and a free market appraisal for your property.

Emma Lemounes