under the new Additional HMO Licensing scheme. Over 1,000 applications are expected to be received before the end of the year, after which a licence will be required for HMOs in some areas of Bath.
Landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in areas centred on the wards of Oldfield, Westmoreland, and parts of Widcombe will require a licence from 1 January 2014. Some areas adjoining these Wards will are also included in the scheme.
The new scheme will provide landlords, residents and occupants with better information on the HMOs near them. It will also encourage landlords to ensure their HMOs are safer, healthier and managed according to a consistent set of standards across the scheme area.
Time is ticking for those landlords in areas where an additional licence is required. Bath & North East Somerset Council urges those HMO landlords to visit our website to apply for the licence. If a landlord isn’t sure whether or not they require either a mandatory or new additional licence, our Housing Team are a click, email or phone call away.”
The proposed new rules will guarantee good standards for everyone living in smaller HMOs and drive out bad landlords. Local people will be the ones who benefit from these new rules. Neighbours will be able to have their complaints resolved more quickly because the Council will have more powers to act.
For more information about both the existing mandatory HMO and new additional HMO licensing schemes and access an application form go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/hmos or email housing@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 396444.
Summary of the requirements of the new rules
- Landlords will have to show that their properties are well managed and safe;
- Tenants will enjoy improved standards, meaning their homes are safer and healthier;
- Neighbours will be able to look at a public register of HMOs to find out who manages rented properties near them, so they will know who to contact if problems occur;
- Landlords and property owners will receive better support, help and advice from the Council. They will know that consistent standards are being enforced across the area and that bad landlords will not be tolerated;
- The Council will have better enforcement powers and be able to ensure that properties are run by good landlords who comply with all the necessary regulations;
