As you may be aware, new HMO regulations are coming into force in October. Some landlords are unsure how this will affect them and some landlords are unsure if they own a HMO property.

 The Definition of a HMO:

• Three or more tenants in
• Two or more households

This means that if three or more people share a flat, this will be a HMO. This will not apply if they are all family but if 2 of the three are related then it will still be a HMO as there will be two ‘households’.

The definition of a LICENSABLE HMO is currently:

• Five or more tenants
• In two or more households
• In a property with three or more stories

After the 1st of October 2018, any property (over any amount of stories, even a bungalow), with 5 or more tenants will be a licensable HMO.

By October 2018, if you have 5 persons forming 2 or more households you will need to apply for a LICENSABLE HMO. If you do not, you are vulnerable to prosecution or a penalty charge of up to £30,000.

Keep up with regular inspections:

It is really important to keep up with regular inspections (every 3 months) in case your tenants have moved in new occupants without your consent or knowledge. You, the landlord, will be responsible if circumstances change and you need a licence.

For more information. Click here.