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HMO LICENSING IN LAMBETH - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
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A "House(s) in Multiple Occupation", or "HMO" is defined as any house occupied by 3 or more persons not all of the same family, of which the house is their only or main residence.
In 2006, Licensing of HMOs (administered by Local Councils) came in to place in the UK in an attempt to tackle some of the badly run HMO properties.
There are currently 2 Types of HMO Licensing schemes in operation within the UK:
Mandatory Licensing - Only for HMOs that are occupied by 5 or more persons and are 3 or more storeys in height, in which tenants share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities. This is applicable across the UK.
and
Additional Licensing - Lambeth do not operate any Additional Licensing scheme, meaning that only Mandatory requirements apply
FAQ:
What criteria needs to be met in order to obtain and keep an HMO License from Lambeth council?
HMO Properties in Lambeth fall under the definition of "Category A Houses" under the housing act 2004 - and have their own minimum space requirements. For a typical HMO with separate bedrooms for tenants that share facilities (kitchen and or bathroom) then a minimum of 6.52m² space is required per room for 1 person and 10.23m² for 2 sharing (not taking in to account kitchen or bathroom facilities that may be present in the room).
Aside from this, there are various other criteria for Natural Lighting, Artificial lighting, Ventilation (windows), Water Supplies, Washing facilities, cooking facilities, Heating, Waste disposal and Fire escapes.
These may sound complex and intimidating, but they are mostly common sense - the only specifics that are truly relevant are:
Fire Doors are installed on all rooms, including the kitchen
1 Bathroom / Shower room for every 5 sharers
1 Kitchen for every 5 sharers (Multiple sets of facilities such as oven, sinks, etc within 1 Kitchen space may be adequate for over 5 people)
Location of Kitchen should not be more than 1 floor away from any rooms occupied by the persons for whom they are provided (exceptions can be made where there is adequate dining space in the kitchen)
Electrical equiptment and furniture are kept in safe condition
Smoke Alarms are installed and in working Order
A Written Statement of the terms of the License is supplied to all tenants
Means for escape from Fire must be kept free from obstruction and maintained in Good repair
Water Supply and drainage are kept in good, clean working condition
The Manager's Name, Address and Contact telehone number should be made available to each occupant (usually on display in a communual area)
Will I need Planning Permission?
In some cases, yes. The Planning department and HMO Licensing are 2 separate entities, so obtaining an HMO License does not imply that Planning has been granted. As with the case when altering any property, it is always best to check with Planning first. Where there are 7 or more units / rooms, then planning will be required.
How much will it cost?
The Fee, payable to the Council, is a flat fee of £267 per habitable room (Payable as one lump sum). Discounts (currently at 20%) are available for accreditted landlords. The License lasts for 5 years.
Who obtains the License, the owner or the Manager of the HMO?
Either can Apply for and be given the License - but the key thing to remember is that a License can only relate to 1 HMO and cannot be transferred to another person. Therefore it is unwise for an owner to let the Manager (if they do not manage it themselves) obtain the License - this being the case then should the owner change management, they would have to apply for a new License.
How Long does it take to obtain a License?
The Council are under obligation to respond within 8 weeks. As long as requirements have been met, then it should likely be sooner that this.
Is there a Fine for not obtaining a License?
Yes. There is a Fine of up to a maximum of £20,000 for failure to obtain an HMO License. However, this is the most extreme cirumstance and would generally apply if the The owner or manager of the HMO failed to obtain a License after multiple warnings to do so.
I currently run an HMO but I don't have a License - Will I get in to trouble with the Council?
No - as long as you act now! Lambeth Council will not punish or fine anyone that applies for a License for an HMO that is already running - however it will need to already be HMO Compliant before you apply for a License. The key thing is to get to the Council before the Council get to you. We can advise on how to do this.
Can I ask the Council to visit my property to advise on what to do to make the Property HMO compliant?
The Council will visit the Property for an "Inspection Visit" only once the fee has been paid - Alternatively you can call HMOgo on 020 8654 3202 for a Free, no obligation advisory visit - and we will advise you on what you need to do before contacting the Council.
Find out more by calling HMO Go on 020 8654 3202 or emailing info@hmogo.co.uk
Alternatively, Click here for details of Fees.
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