December licensing update for landlords
19 Dec 2019 03:31 PM
In our licensing update this month, we take a look at some of the proposed licensing schemes that are up for consultation across the country, and other licensing related news affecting landlords.
News
HMO landlords: Article 4 Direction to be introduced in Birmingham next summer
Earlier this year, we reported on an Article 4 consultation that was being run by Birmingham City Council. The council collected the views of landlords on plans to make it compulsory for landlords in Birmingham to obtain prior planning permission to convert a property in to a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).
This week, Birmingham City Council confirmed that following the consultation, the borough wide Article 4 Direction in Birmingham has been given the go ahead. It is set to come into force on June 8 and will apply to developers looking to turn a property into a HMO for up to six people.
Hounslow Council -additional licensing (Closes 27th December)
Hounslow Council has relaunched an additional licensing consultation. Earlier this year, the RLA and Safe Agent threatened to launch a judicial review over the original ‘flawed’ consultation.
The consultation has now been relaunched, and landlords can read more about the proposals and respond to the consultation by clicking here.
Oadby and Wigston -selective licensing (Closes 30th January 2020)
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council is currently consulting on plans to introduce a selective licensing scheme in South Wigston. This consultation was originally due to close on 14th November, but the deadline has been extended until January. Landlords can read more about the plans and have their say here.
Hastings Council – selective licensing consultation (Closes 6th March)
The current selective licensing scheme in Hastings was introduced on 15th October 2015, and the five year scheme is due to expire in 2020.
The scheme that is being proposed and consulted on would require landlords to licence all privately rented flats and houses that are occupied by one household (i.e. single persons or couples, or one family) in the 6 wards of Braybrooke, Castle, Central St Leonards, Gensing, Old Hastings and Tressell. Have your say on the plans here.
Camden Council – Additional HMO licensing scheme renewal (Closes 8th March 2020)
In 2015 Camden Council introduced a borough wise additional licensing scheme for Houses of Multiple Occupation. The five year scheme is now up for renewal, and landlords are being invited to share their views on the proposals and attend some drop in sessions the Council is running. To have your say on the plans, click here.
Croydon Council – Selective licensing consultation – (Closes 9th March 2020)
A borough-wide selective licensing scheme was introduced in Croydon in 2015, meaning that it is due to expire in 2020.
The council is now consulting on plans to introduce a new licensing scheme to cover all or most of the borough, to take effect from Autumn 2020. Landlords can read more about the plans and have their say here.
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