Landlords and management agents in Peterborough are being reminded to check if the properties they own or manage require licences before Sunday 26 April, to avoid facing potential enforcement action.
Peterborough City Council’s Additional HMO Licensing scheme is now in force and landlords and agents are being urged to check whether any properties they own or manage in Peterborough fall within its scope. If a licence is required a valid application must be submitted before 26 April to avoid potential enforcement action, which includes a civil penalty notice of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine from the courts.
The city-wide scheme, which came into force on 26 January, applies to smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not subject to Mandatory HMO Licensing. The Council has set a deadline of 26 April for applications to be submitted before enforcement action begins.
Jacqui Harvey, Head of Regulatory Services at Peterborough City Council, said: “We are reminding people that it is a criminal offence for an agent to operate or manage a licensable property without a valid licence in place after this date. Landlords with unlicensed HMO properties, and those who fail to adhere to the conditions of the licence will run the risk of heavy financial penalties.
“Therefore, it is vitally important that any property owners affected by the scheme apply for licences without delay to avoid enforcement action. If you are unsure if your property is affected or want advice or support with your application, please contact our Housing Standards team who will be happy to assist you."
For further information about the scheme and how to apply for licences visit the council's Additional HMO Licensing website page.
An Additional HMO Licence is required where a property is occupied by:
- Three or four persons who are not all related; and
- Who share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
A Section 257 HMO Licence is required where:
- A building has been converted into self-contained flats;
- The conversion does not meet 1991 Building Regulations standards; and
- More than one-third of the flats are let on assured shorthold tenancies.
Peterborough City Council is working in partnership with Home Safe, who are supporting the council in delivering the new scheme. Landlords and agents will need to apply directly through Home Safe, who will manage the application process on behalf of the council. Applications can be made through the scheme page on the Home Safe website.
For further details about Additional HMO Licensing email additional.licensing@peterborough.gov.uk