It is anticipated that more than 1000 HMO applications will be sent in by the end of the year, after which a license will be needed for HMO’s in Bath. Landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) around Oldfield, Westmoreland, and parts of Widcombe will need an HMO license from the 01/01/2014. This scheme gives landlords and tenants more comprehensive info on HMO’s close to them. It will make landlords regulate there properties and make them more HMO safe.
Councillor Tim Ball (Lib-Dem, Twerton), Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, said: “Time is ticking for those landlords in areas where an additional license is required. Bath & North East Somerset Council urges those HMO landlords to visit our website to apply for the license. If a landlord isn’t sure whether or not they require either a mandatory or new additional license, our Housing Team are a click, email or phone call away.” The whole point of the scheme is to give tenants living in small HMO’s better quality standards and to edge out the bad landlords. These new rules will also benefit people who live in areas with HMO’s in as if they have any complaints re certain HMO’s properties councils will have the power to act a lot quicker to get the problem resolved.
A landlady in bath who has owned a property for 12 years said since Article 4 and additional licensing, she has had a lot of contact with the council and has found the housing service department very helpful. The housing services have also been good at giving more time to do works which makes everything a lot easier. For more info on existing HMO and new additional HMO licensing schemes and access an application form go to www.bathnes.gov.uk or email housing@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 396444.
New Rules Summary:
- Landlords have to show that their properties are safe and are in good order. Tenants will enjoy improved standards, meaning their homes are safer and healthier;
- Neighbors will be able to look at a public register of HMO’s to find out who manages rented properties near them, so they will know who to contact if problems occur;
- Landlords and property owners will receive better support, help and advice from the Council. They will know that consistent standards are being enforced across the area and that bad landlords will not be tolerated;
- The Council will have better enforcement powers and be able to ensure that properties are run by good landlords who comply with all the necessary regulations;
- Where landlords are unwilling to or are unable to meet the requirements of licensing, the Council could step in to manage the properties.
