Alex Upton

Make the most of HMO regulation changes




Regulatory changes have been a consistent characteristic of the buy-to-let market in recent years and 2018 is proving to be no different.

At the beginning of April, new minimum energy efficiency standards were introduced for privately rented property and the government is extending the scope of licensing for HMOs this October.

At present, a mandatory licence is required for properties with three or more storeys that are occupied by five or more people from two or more households. From 1st October, a licence will be needed for HMOs occupied by five or more people from two or more households, regardless of the number of storeys. The Residential Landlords Association claims this change means that an additional 177,000 HMOs will become subject to mandatory licencing, and there is no limit to the potential fine for renting out a qualifying HMO without a licence.

Licences are issued by the local council and valid for a maximum of five years. Landlords of licensed HMOs must make sure the house is suitable for the number of occupants and that the manager of the property – which could be the owner or an agent – is considered to be ‘fit and proper’. This excludes people with a criminal record or a previous breach of landlord laws or code of practice. 

Owners must also send the council an updated gas safety certificate every year, install and maintain smoke alarms and provide safety certificates for all electrical appliances when requested, as well as any other conditions imposed by the local council.

In addition to these requirements, the government has also proposed a minimum room size for bedrooms in licensed HMOs. At the moment, some local authorities prescribe minimum room sizes, while others set out advisory standards, and this new approach will dispel confusion with a standard approach to all licensed HMOs.

Landlords must ensure the following:

single bedroom to be used by one person over 10 years should not be less than 6.51m2
double bedroom to be used by two people over 10 years should not be less than 10.22m2
single bedroom to be used by one person under 10 years should not be less than 4.64m2.

Where there is a breach to these minimum bedroom sizes, local authorities may grant a period to rectify the situation, although this will not exceed 18 months.

So, there is plenty to think about for owners of HMOs in the coming months, and this provides you with a great opportunity to revisit your database of HMO clients to make them aware of the upcoming changes and their responsibilities. 

Some may need to fund renovations to ensure they meet minimum standards and room dimensions and, even if no renovations are needed, this change in regulation provides you with a chance to make contact and discuss their other funding requirements.

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