Agent advice creates HMO licensing pickle?

Agent advice creates HMO licensing pickle?

Multi coloured small figures surrounding a wooden model house with HMO on the roof and a red question mark
Readers Question by Readers Question
12:01 AM, 13th March 2025, 1 year ago 14
Categories:
AdviceLandlord NewsLandlords Questions

Hello, I have been using an agent to let out a property as a four bed HMO so not needing a licence. However, last September my agent said it could be a five bed HMO and would need little or no work to comply but I would need to get a licence.

I agreed to this and applied for a licence. However, the agents immediately let it on new ASTs to five people.

The council have taken ages to deal with it but recently came and inspected the property and have stated that it does not comply and given me a list of works to be done which will cost fifteen to twenty thousand pounds to do.

I can not afford this so need to reduce the number of tenants back down to four.

The agents have asked if any tenant is prepared to leave, however, none of the tenants are and have indicated that I will have to evict them.

The problem is I am advised that a Section 21 is not suitable and that a Section 8 can’t be used as the tenants were in residence in an ’Unlicensed HMO’.

So, I am now in the position of running an unlicensed HMO but can’t remove any tenant to resolve the situation.

Help please!

Share This Article
Tags: HMO, HMO licence, Letting Agent, letting agent complaint, Tenant eviction

Comments

1 2

Have Your Say

Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.

Not a member yet? Join In Seconds

Login with

or
Forgotten your password?

Previous Article

House prices climb despite market slowdown - RICS

Next Article

London council unveils £30,000 fines for errant landlords

Related Articles