Explained : The two new schemes
HOUSING
Explained : The two new schemes
The new additional licensing scheme makes it a legal requirement for most houses in multiple occupation ( HMO ) to be licensed . HMOs are houses or flats lived in by more than one household ( people who are renting the property and sharing a kitchen , bathroom or toilet , but are not related or in a relationship – such as students or young professionals sharing a house or people living in bed and breakfast accommodation ). At the moment only certain , larger HMOs in the borough have to be licensed under the existing national licensing rules . This new additional licensing scheme will apply to all HMOs that are two-storeys or more in height and lived in by four or more people but not already covered by the national rules . It will also include certain buildings that have been converted into self-contained flats . The licensing fee is £ 1,100 for each HMO , plus £ 30 for each habitable room . The second new scheme , known as selective licensing will make it a legal requirement for all privately rented properties ( not just HMOs ) in Acton Central , East Acton , South Acton , Southall Green and Southall Broadway to be licensed . This ,
the council believes , will be highly beneficial to the local community by improving the quality of privately rented properties in those areas . The selective licensing fee is £ 500 . To obtain a licence landlords or managing agents must meet certain eligibility criteria and pay a fee for each property they rent out in the designated areas . Failure to obtain a licence may lead to a landlord being prosecuted and an unlimited fine . that – before Saturday , 31 December 2016 – may save hundreds of pounds with a 25 % discount . Those already members of a recognised landlord ’ s accreditation scheme may also qualify for a further discount of £ 75 .
Under the new schemes , a licence holder will have to comply with several conditions relating to the management and condition of the property , including its gas and electrical systems and fire safety . They would also have to provide a written tenancy agreement – and anti-social behaviour by tenants would have to be properly managed .
The licences will last for five years , but each can be reviewed if standards are not being met .
Councillor Dheer said the new licensing schemes will help make sure all landlords operate according to good practice – which will , ultimately , help improve their own businesses .
“ The licence conditions require landlords to prescribe to high standards ,” he said . “ But that should
make things easier for everyone in the long-run .
“ By providing clear standards under which landlords should operate , tenants will know what to expect , landlords can more easily manage their properties and it encourages more stable , long-term tenancies – and that creates sustainable communities and grows business .
“ And , just as importantly , expanding our licensing schemes will also help deal with the very serious issue of any properties that are poorly managed . They not only impact on living standards but are more likely to create the conditions for anti-social behaviour .”
To find out more or to apply for a licence , visit www . ealing . gov . uk / PRSLicensing
around ealing Winter 2016 / 17 33