The much-anticipated new law to improve the management of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) is coming into force on 1 October 2018, and City of York Council is offering one-to-one sessions to help landlords with their applications.
Landlords can call 01904 552300 Monday to Friday from 9am - 12noon to talk to officers about the new licensing requirements and how to apply.
Smaller properties will now need to be licensed as HMOs, and all properties occupied by five or more people in two or more separate households will now need licenses, irrespective of the number of storeys.
The new law also requires that bedrooms must be a minimum size and have a maximum number of occupants to prevent overcrowding.
Landlords are being given up to 18 months grace to comply with the new bedroom requirements and to address any overcrowding.
Cllr Helen Douglas, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods said: “These new Government regulations will help us to tackle poor landlord practises which can lead to overcrowding, poor management of tenant behaviour, failure to meet health and safety standards, housing of illegal immigrants and tenant intimidation when legitimate complaints are made.
“The impact of a small minority of disreputable landlords puts tenants at risk and adversely affects neighbours and local communities.
“The council is here to help all landlords comply with the new regulations.”
To register for regular updates about the new laws, including information about free presentations please visit:
https://www.york.gov.uk/info/20097/private_landlords_and_tenants/2098/changes_to_hmo_licensing
The online application process for both new and existing licences for house in multiple occupation is now live atwww.york.gov.uk/HMOLicensing