Landlords who own houses with multi-occupancy will be subject to a new HMO Licence as of 01 October.

The government has decided to extend the scope of mandatory licensing to bring smaller houses in multiple occupation within the scheme and removing the number of storeys.

Around 200 landlords across East Cambridgeshire will be affected by the new licence, which now covers houses with five or more occupiers and houses which are made up of two or more households.

The licence has also been amended and now is required regardless of the number of storeys in a house.

The changes also include some amendments to room sizes.  Any room below 6.25sqm will not be able to be used for occupation, therefore there is a minimum room size of 6.25sqm for a single room, and 10.23sqm for a double room.

Liz Knox, Environmental Services Manager, said: “We have a duty of care to tenants to ensure that they are living in suitable surroundings, and this legislation allows us to do this. The licence is the same cost as the previous one, it simply includes more criteria to help us protect residents as well as landlords.

“We urge landlords to apply as soon as they can and tick it off their to-do list.”

It is an offence if the landlord or person in control of the property fails to apply for a licence for a licensable property, or allows a property to be occupied by more people than are permitted by the licence.

A fine of up to £20,000 may be imposed.  In addition, breaking any of the licence conditions can results in fines of up to £5,000 for each offence.

Landlords can apply online using the form below, or download and complete a paper application form. 

http://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/licensing/houses-multiple-occupancy-hmo-licence