Let for 2 to 3 days a time – HMO licence required?
We have an 8 bedroom (7 en-suite) property that we let via booking.com to guests. Most guests only stay for 2-3 days and no more than a week.
We have been told that the property does not qualify as an HMO as it only offers temporary occupancy to guest.
We do not have a reception or bar, but have a kitchen and living area.
The council inspector telephoned to inform us that he would like to view the property and that he will send an email ,but we are yet to receive any correspondence. My partner an I are concerned as he wants to come on Monday.
Do we require an HMO licence and what can we do? Can the council inspector turn up without informing us in advance as he promised to do?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Fusion
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Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 788
3:03 PM, 26th November 2019, About 6 years ago
i like to add honesty does not pay in some cases. We all lie from time to time, Judges lie, politicians lie, who doesn’t lie bring me that fellow who has never lied, I will kneel down on his feet he must be a true saint! The last time earth saw such a saint was about 2000 years ago!
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
9:09 AM, 27th November 2019, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mike at 26/11/2019 – 14:56
Not all HMO’S need to be licensed! Only those that come under the mandatory licensing definition or those where additional licensing has been imposed by the council.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1434
12:30 AM, 28th November 2019, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Fusion Property at 25/11/2019 – 12:20
” A David Gold Smith, was recommended but I can’t seem to find his details”
That might be David Smith at Anthony Gold solicitors.
Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 788
4:23 AM, 28th November 2019, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Rob Crawford at 27/11/2019 – 09:09
Thanks, got you now.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1996 - Articles: 21
10:20 AM, 28th November 2019, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mike at 28/11/2019 – 04:23
David is policy director for the RLA and knows his onions.
Member Since November 2019 - Comments: 4
8:19 PM, 28th November 2019, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mike at 26/11/2019 – 15:03
Thanks Mike,
We are being honest but hope it does not cost us.
We are also relieved he came and hope to use the situation to regularise any requirement
Member Since November 2019 - Comments: 4
8:20 PM, 28th November 2019, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 28/11/2019 – 10:20
Thanks Ian, we will reach out to him and hope this can be sorted out.
Member Since November 2019 - Comments: 4
8:23 PM, 28th November 2019, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Michael Barnes at 28/11/2019 – 00:30
Thanks Michael, I should be able to find him with the details you provided.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1264 - Articles: 1
7:48 AM, 30th November 2019, About 6 years ago
This is not an HMO but the council can still inspect. You are running a serviced accommodation business which for tax purposes falls under furnished holiday lets. The most important thing is that you comply with appropriate fire regs. You don’t need change of use in some authorities but you need to check. Have you registered for business rates?