Landlords of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Halton are being urged to ensure their property is compliant with legislation before the deadline on Monday October 1, 2018.
As part of changes announced by the government earlier this year, all HMOs with five or more people living in them must have a council-granted HMO licence. Previously, an HMO licence has only been required if the house is three or more storeys high.
Landlords wishing to be granted an HMO licence will need to demonstrate to an Environmental Health Officer that the property meets all the required safety standards. The law change is designed to make sure that rented shared houses and flats are of a good standard, and are safe to live in.
Cllr Stef Nelson, the Council’s Executive Board member for Environmental Health, says: “These changes will ensure HMOs in this borough meet the required health and safety standards, and are fit and safe for people to be living in.
“From October 1, all HMOs housing five or more individuals are required by law to hold a licence. Halton Borough Council staff are currently working to ensure that all properties that require a licence receive one.”
If you are a landlord and believe that your property may be a licensable HMO please contact the Environmental Health department at environmental.protection@halton.gov.uk or the Council’s contact centre 0303 333 4300. The Council would also encourage tenants to contact them if they believe they are living in an HMO that should be licensed.
You can apply on-line for a licence at https://halton.me/hmo-licence-application-form/