Residential landlords urged to make their lets legal

Southampton City Council has launched an amnesty from prosecution for all landlords who apply for a licence for their multiply occupied properties before 31 October 2008.

Since 2006, housing law has required all properties of three or more storeys let to five or more unrelated people to be licensed by the council under a national licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Launching the ‘Lets – make it legal!’ initiative, Cllr Phil Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services said, “Licensing larger HMOs helps to protect residents by making sure that properties are safe and well managed. The council would like to encourage all landlords to apply for a licence if they need one and has decided to take no action if they come forward now. We’d prefer to help landlords comply with their legal duties, but will take firm action later this year if landlords do not apply for a licence without a reasonable excuse.”

Since HMO licensing came into force in 2006, the council has licensed 583 properties, helping to ensure that well managed accommodation is available to hundreds of private tenants, who are often vulnerable. Checks on gas, electrics, fire safety and the landlord are carried out before a property is licensed. Licences normally last for five years and fees are discounted if a landlord is accredited or belongs to a recognised association.

Paul Juan, Private Sector Housing Manager, said, “The penalties for managing an unlicensed HMO are severe. On conviction, a landlord can be fined £20,000 and ordered to repay all rent received while the property has been unlicensed. Southampton needs good quality, affordable rented homes and this initiative means we will work with landlords to make their lets legal, rather than prosecute them.”

The council has set up an HMO licensing enquiry line on 023 8083 2735 for advice and information and licensing application forms are now available on the council’s website at www.southampton.gov.uk/housing