Corporate
Landlords urged to licence HMOs or face prosecution
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Landlords who rent out houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) in parts of Walsall are urged to act now so they don’t get hit with legal action or hefty fines by the council.
This follows the newly introduced Additional HMO Licensing scheme in four wards of the Borough; Pleck, Palfrey, Paddocks and St Matthews. This approved scheme will last in these wards for five years.
Under the scheme, private landlords who rent out a property in these wards to three or four unrelated people will need to obtain a licence from the council, subject to any statutory exemptions. Information about the scheme and how to apply for a licence is available to view at Approved additional licensing scheme (walsall.gov.uk)
This scheme was approved in October 2021 and came into force on September 1 this year. Landlords of relevant HMOs in these wards should have already applied for an HMO licence, at least by August 31. The council is urging landlords and property agents with HMOs in the relevant wards who have not yet applied for a licence to do so as soon as possible.
The licences lay down conditions which landlords must meet, including keeping properties in good order, undertaking regular inspections, making sure properties are not overcrowded and tackling any anti-social behaviour such as dumping of rubbish or untidy gardens. As well as providing for improved living standards for tenants the conditions are designed to ensure properties are managed more effectively.
“ We would urge any landlords of HMOs in these four wards who have still to apply for a licence, to do so as quickly as possible. Most landlords operate in accordance with the law but the council has a duty to combat poor practices and will use enforcement powers where necessary to ensure the safety of tenants in the private rented sector. If landlords or tenants have any doubts or concerns about the licensing of their property, please contact the council for support and advice. “
From September 1 it became a criminal offence to operate an HMO property in these four wards without a licence or fail to comply with any of the conditions of a licence.
The Council will vigorously enforce against non-compliance, meaning landlords and managers could receive an unlimited fine upon prosecution, so receiving a criminal record.
Or they could be issued with a civil penalty fine of up to £30,000 per offence and may be banned from running rental properties in the future.
Landlords of larger HMOs which are occupied by five or more unrelated people, irrespective of the ward, should already have a Mandatory HMO licence. If you know of an HMO without a licence report it to the Housing Standards team by sending an email to HMOs@Walsall.gov.uk or call 01922 652171.
On September 7 2022, Cabinet approved the designation of a second HMO Additional Licensing scheme covering the wards Willenhall South, Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Bentley and Darlaston North and Darlaston South.
This second scheme will become operational on July 1 2023 so landlords in these areas have until then to apply. Further information and reminders on this are expected to be released over the coming months. The full Cabinet report can be found here: CMIS > Meetings (walsall.gov.uk)
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