Landlords must licence or face fine

Date published: 30/01/2008

Landlords and property managing agents who let houses with multiple occupants (HMO's) in the borough are being warned to make sure they have a licence, or they could face prosecution.

As part of a nationwide scheme to drive up standards in the private rented sector,  landlords have been able to apply for a licence since April 2006, but not everyone has, said Gillian Lucas from Rochdale Borough Council: "We are happy to support landlords by answering any questions they may have, but doing nothing is not an option.  HMO's provide much needed affordable housing, particularly for younger people although tenants can be vulnerable to poor housing conditions.  We are working with landlords to boost standards and eliminate poor quality accommodation."

This mandatory licensing standardises the councils existing regulation scheme, making the process simpler. Stricter regulations are now in place to tackle the problem of licence evasion, with fines of up to £20,000 a criminal record and potentially rent repayment orders.

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to all properties which are three storeys or more and occupied by two separate households or more, i.e. a house split into flats occupied by unrelated tenants.

Rochdale Borough Council carefully check all HMO properties before issuing the licence, ensuring they are managed appropriately, the accommodation meets all minimum standards, including a valid current gas safety certificate.

Licences for HMO's in Rochdale Borough are £668 + £34 inspection fee for each habitable room and are valid for up to five years.  For more information and to see whether you have a property that needs licensing, visit www.direct.gov.uk   Alternatively contact Rochdale Borough Council on 01706 926597.