Around 250 landlords and property managing agents in Eastbourne have made enquiries about applying for an HMO (house in multiple occupation) licence six weeks into the application process. However, Eastbourne Borough Council warns there may be many more properties in the area that need to be licensed.
Landlords with licensable properties who fail to apply before 3 July 2006 may face fines of up to £20,000, a criminal record and potentially, rent repayment orders.
In Eastbourne properties of three or more floors, with five or more tenants belonging to two or more households are required by law to be licensed.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing Health and Community Services, Councillor Howlett says, “A large number of landlords who require licences for their large properties in Eastbourne have made enquiries. Eastbourne Borough Council is looking forward to further supporting local landlords and answering any queries they may have about the HMO licensing scheme. HMOs provide much needed affordable housing, particularly for younger people. However, tenants in larger shared properties are often vulnerable to poor housing conditions. Eastbourne Borough Council wants to work with landlords to drive up standards and eliminate poor quality accommodation.”
Mandatory licensing will standardise existing registration schemes across England, making the process simpler for landlords and tenants to understand. Across the board procedures and stringent enforcement will also make it difficult for landlords to evade licensing.
To grant a licence the local authority must be satisfied that:
the proposed licence holder, the landlord or managing agent, are ‘fit and proper’ people
properties and tenancies are managed appropriately
the accommodation meets all minimum standards such as sufficient number of toilets, kitchens and bathrooms for the number of residents
Licences will be issued with certain conditions attached, such as works to be done to the property to bring it up to the required standard
Properties will be assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which has replaced the old Fitness Standard test for homes. Private residential landlords should now start to look at their properties in terms of risk assessment.
If an HHSRS assessment reveals health or safety hazards, then councils have powers to ensure that the landlord makes improvements.
Licences for HMOs in Eastbourne cost from £755 and are valid for up to 5 years.
To apply for a licence for a property in Eastbourne call: Kim Barnes or Jean Maytum on 415362 or download the application forms from our website.
