Council targets unlicensed HMO landlords

A council is stepping up its hunt for unlicensed HMOs while making clear that compliant landlords are not the target of its enforcement work.

It will use council tax records, planning information, complaints and intelligence from partner agencies to identify properties which may be operating without the required licence.

The move follows concerns from residents about late-night noise, nuisance behaviour and pest problems linked to some poorly maintained HMOs.

Coventry City Council has also asked councillors to report properties in their wards which they suspect are operating outside the licensing system.

Compliant landlords backed

Coventry Live reports the council’s cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, Cllr John McNicholas, telling members: “I understand the concern being expressed about HMOs in our wards and we have to challenge what is actually happening in Coventry.

“I’m advised that the council takes a proactive approach to identifying and investigating unlicensed HMOs.”

He added: “Landlords who are responsible and registered and work within the system, we don’t have problems with.

“It’s those landlords who refuse to participate.”

HMO inspections continue

Councillors were told that licensed HMOs are inspected during the life of their licence, with checks carried out when an application is made and again to assess compliance with licence conditions.

A further inspection normally takes place before renewal, while officers can also visit following complaints or other information received by the council.

The authority said HMO licensing covers management, safety and property standards rather than whether an owner can extend or alter a building.

Planning and building control rules deal separately with development, and the council noted that some extensions can be completed under permitted development rights.

Licensed HMOs concentrated

Figures supplied to councillors show 69 licensed HMOs in two streets in one ward, and 28 close together in another two streets.

Cllr Marcus Lapsa questioned whether enforcement and checks were keeping pace and asked how many licensed properties in the areas had subsequently been extended.

Council records showed 28 planning applications relating to extensions at licensed HMOs within the locations he identified.