The Council have issued the following update and reminder to landlords regarding the forthcoming additional licencing in the City

Landlords are reminded that from the 1st January 2014 all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) not already licenced will require a HMO licence if it is in any of the 'designated' areas of the City. Additional Licensing will operate in the same way and alongside the existing scheme for licensing of a prescribed description which is a city and nationwide requirement.

If a landlord wishes to determine if their property is in a 'designated area' for additional licensing they can simple input the post code for the property on Nottingham City Council website home page and click on the arrow beside it.

There are possible discounts on the standard fee of £910.00 if the landlord is accredited with DASH and Unipol. There may be further discounts if the landlord is applying for multiple applications at the same time.

Why is additional Licensing being introduced?

• To help ensure safe and decent standards for private rented homes presenting a higher risks to the health safety and welfare of occupiers and visitors.
• To support landlords to effectively manage properties.
• To help keep neighbourhoods clean and safe.
• To ensure that these properties are managed properly.
• To reduce complaints of noise, rubbish, housing disrepair and other anti-social behaviour related to HMOs by making landlord more accountable for their tenants.
• To ensure the licence holders and managers are suitable.
• To ensure that basic standards of accommodation are provided including suitable provisions of kitchens, bathrooms and room sizes for the appropriate number of occupants.
• Assist in identifying and dealing with rogue landlords.

Exemptions for additional licensing

• If a HMO meets the "ANUK / Unipol Code for larger developments NOT managed by educational establishments". In Nottingham there are about 20 developments that meet these criteria. To check visit http://www.nationalcode.org.uk/Home.aspx & enter the property details on the right hand side of the page.
• If a HMO does not meet the prescribed description as required by section 3 of the Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Descriptions) (England) Order 2006 and it is outside the current designated areas.
• If it is not a HMO.

For more information, FAQ, application form, fee information and licence Handbook visit http://www.Nottinghamcity.gov.uk/additionalHMO