From the 1^st October 2018 the law is changing with regards to HMO’s.

You may be reading this and not know what the letters HMO mean or you may ‘know it all’, either way I’ll start with what the acronym ‘HMO’ stands for … ‘Houses in Multiple Occupation’

Whilst the legislation surrounding HMO’s can be extremely complex, the most important thing to understand is the definition of a HMO to determine if it applies to you, then you can determine if your property needs to be licensed and the implications.

A property is a HMO if;

‘There are three or more persons that form two or more households occupying the property as their only or main residence and share any of a toilet, washing facility or cooking facility and pay rent or other consideration (i.e staff accommodation reflected in wages or salary)’

Not all HMO’s currently require licensing. In order to be licensed Gravesham Borough Council must be satisfied that the rental property meets a prescribed amenity standard, is managed by a fit and proper person and that there are suitable management arrangements in place. 

In terms of amenity standards GBC supply a booklet with guidance, to view the guide click here.

At present a mandatory HMO license is required if a property;

• ·       Is 3 or more stories high
• ·       Contains four or more people in two or more households; and
• ·       Contains shared facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet

From the 1^st October 2018 the rules are changing – The mandatory HMO licensing scheme is being extended.

The news rules from 1^st October 2018 mean mandatory licensing will be required if a property;

• ·       Contains five or more people in two or more households; and
• ·       Contains shared facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

If your property now needs licensing you need to;

• ·       Submit a license application to the Private Sector Housing Team. They may also require supporting documents
• ·       Pay the application fee

You can download an application form or apply on line, simply click here. 

Landlords that fail to apply for a license by 1^st October will be committing a criminal offence and could face enforcement action.

If you have any specific queries you can also talk to GBC on 01474 337466,  currently Maureen Laney or Lisa Hills are the contacts.

Good luck everyone – I hope this isn’t effecting too many of you!

Sarah