Licensing of Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
Introduction of new legislation
As of 6th April 2006 all landlords and property managing agents who let large houses in multiple occupation need to apply for an HMO licence. From 6th July 2006 landlords and agents who fail to apply for a licence may face fines of up to £20,000, a criminal record and potentially, rent repayment orders.
In Wolverhampton properties of three or more floors, with five or more tenants belonging to two or more households are required by law to be licensed.
We will grant you a licence if we are satisfied that:
- the proposed licence holder (which can be the landlord or managing agent) are 'fit and proper' people
- the property and the tenancy are managed appropriately
- the accommodation meets all minimum standards such as sufficient number of toilets, kitchens and bathrooms for the number of residents
- licences will be issued with certain conditions attached, such as annual provision of a satisfactory gas safety record, requirement that electrical appliances and furniture supplied by the landlord are in a safe condition, to ensure that smoke alarms are fitted and maintained, to supply tenants with a written statement of the terms of their tenancy etc.
Cost of licence
A licences for HMO's in Wolverhampton costs £438.
Reductions are available for:
- early applications
- accredited landlords
- members of approved landlords' associations
- multiple property applications made at the same time.
Licensing guide for landlords
We have helped produce a licensing guide for landlords. It provides essential information about the new housing act.
The leaflet explains how the new licensing will work, which properties will need to be licensed and the process involved.
Download
To download the guide, click on the PDF icon below:
Applying for a licence
A guide is available to assist owners to draw a plan of the property which will be required as part of the application. To download the guide, click on the PDF icon below:
Further information
For further information visit the Department for Communities and Local Government. For enquiries about licensing of homes in multiple occupation, use our online e-form (secure). Alternatively, contact:
Private Sector Housing
Neighbourhood Renewal
Regeneration and Transportation
Wolverhampton City Council
Heantun House
Salop Street
Wolverhampton
WV3 0SQ
Phone: 01902 551283
E-mail: private.sector@wolverhampton.gov.uk (insecure)
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