Landlords await HMO licensing

Posted: 03 Apr 2006 10:29:12 GMT

As part of a government shake up of the rented accommodation sector, landlords renting houses in multiple occupation (HMO) will soon face HMO licensing.

It comes into effect on April 6th, although an extension until July 3rd has been offered to ensure that all good landlords are able to meet the requirements.

Baroness Andrews from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has been stressing in recent days that the legislation should not concern honest and respectable landlords.

"Landlords with HMOs that are well managed and provide decent quality accommodation should face a straightforward licensing process," she said.

"HMOs provide much needed affordable housing, particularly for younger people. However, tenants in larger shared properties are often vulnerable to poor housing conditions," she added.

As reported by the Residential Landlord website, Baroness Andrews believes that the licensing will protect the most vulnerable and will vastly improve the rented sector in the UK.

In order to gain a licence, landlords will have to demonstrate that they are "fit and proper" people, that their properties and tenancies are managed correctly and that the accommodation meets the standards set by the authorities.

Students looking for accommodation are likely to benefit considerably from the HMO licensing, according to the ODPM, while landlords should also prosper as a result of increased confidence from tenants.


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