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Landlord licence - Landlord licensing for HMO property
Landlord licensing for HMO properties is aimed at raising the standard of management and standard of amenities in rented property. In the past landlords got of lightly providing sub-standard property with old furniture from grannies house or furniture auctions, dirty shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Licensing will help to improve living conditions for people who live in those properties.
The advantages of being licensed as a landlord are that you may get a better quality of tenant also! You will be granted a licence if the local authority is satisfied that your property is suitable i.e. having the correct amount of toilets, bathrooms, kitchen facilities and windows, fire exits etc for a certain amount of people. The local authority will also want to know that the property is being managed by someone competent.
Landlord licence will give more benefits, as you will then have the support of the local authority. This will help any quality / provision disputes!
I personally agree with the licensing as it closes loopholes for rogue landlords who are not interested in maintaining property investing as ap profession - but are just after a fast buck. The most common problems were poor fire safety, severe overcrowding, inadequate facilities and poor management (lack of repair / damp / leaks / draughts)
Local authorities may introduce additional licensing to HMOs which are not subject to mandatory licensing. They do however have to consult local landlords before introducing additional licensing & they have to publicize it when it comes into force
If you want more information on government renting rules and legislation and the Landlord licence - Landlord licensing for HMO property, then have a look on the ODPM site (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister)
