New Gov. proposals on HMO licensing

The Government is proposing additional legislation on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's).

Proposals set out in the discussion document - 'New Measures to Tackle Rogue Landlords and Overcrowded Housing',  aim to tackle overcrowding in England’s shared properties.

It follows the recent case of a landlord who managed to over-turn his prosecution for renting out 'too small a bedroom' - ( at 5.8m squared). The new proposals set a minimum bedroom size at 6.5 metres squared.

The Government claims its' proposals will help councils tackle the problem of landlords renting out tiny spaces at extortionate rents.

The document also sets out plans to extend mandatory licensing to smaller and medium sized properties.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis comments:

"It is simply unacceptable that people are living in cramped, unsafe accommodation provided by landlords who are more interested in a quick profit than the safety or welfare of their tenants.

The actions of these rogue landlords are helping fuel illegal working, benefit fraud, and illegal immigration by creating a shadow housing market that carries dangers to people’s health as well as communities.

The government is determined to crack down on rogue landlords and these measures, alongside those in the Housing Bill, will further strengthen councils’ powers to tackle poor-quality privately rented homes in their area."

Under the proposals, mandatory licensing for HMO's will apply to :

• 1-2 storeys; (current rules apply to homes of 3 storeys) 
• poorly converted blocks of flats
• flats above and below shops 

View the Government's discussion document - 'New Measures to Tackle Rogue Landlords and Overcrowded Housing'

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