The random rolling out of HMO definitions?
The Department of Levelling Up has provided the opportunity for local authorities to roll out their own legislation under the umbrella of their more penal HMO regulations covering all kinds of bizarre areas.
I have been caught out as I have 4 tenants (Parliament says 5 or more the London boroughs have reduced the number to qualify to 3) I have had to install institutional lighting and other intrusion items at a cost of £5000. And sign up to a whole tranche of procedures to cover tenant’s behaviorism.
This morning my mortgage company advised me now that I am in breach of the T & Cs as I have not declared this so-called HMO and are asking me to regularise the situation that I find myself unwittingly in.
I am caught between Westminster and the London Boroughs Of Trotsky Lenin & Stalin who cannot agree on what constitutes an HMO!
Looks like another rental lost.
Any answers?
Tim
Comments
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
Previous Article
MT Finance is the latest BTL lender to cut ratesNext Article
Scottish property tax revenues soar
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 402
11:26 AM, 20th January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Londonlad at 20/01/2024 – 11:14
This is the point that needs discussion. Councils will go for belt and braces. If you ask them to provide the justification, present your risk assessment etc….
Unfortunately landlords don’t necessarily understand all the rules and blind compliance becomes the norm
Member Since November 2020 - Comments: 51
11:49 AM, 20th January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by David Houghton at 20/01/2024 – 11:26
Not really, like LBWF whose licence terms say you must produce annual gas certificate. I pointed out that it would not be possible for me to comply (all electric flat) but they refused to change standard terms. How much of your life do you want to waste arguing with morons at an LA ?
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 402
11:53 AM, 20th January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Londonlad at 20/01/2024 – 11:49
That does not surprise me. I am an hmo endorsement officer. They are not the sharpest. There’s a formal complaints procedure, if you make enough noise, ask enough questions so they don’t actually profit from licensing you eventually get somewhere. But, yes it’s hard work
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 12
10:44 AM, 21st January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Londonlad at 20/01/2024 – 11:14
If your premises is deemed an HMO and not a flat share, under fire safety Act you will require a recorded fire risk assessment, ( due to being a licensed premises) this assessment will determine the fire safety measures required for your premises.
There is no legislation that says u have to a sign here or there etc. I’m not saying you don’t necessarily need one but the legislation is not prescriptive! Borrowed light can be used as emergency lighting ( eg a street light shining through a window)
Landlord X….. Fire Safety Enforcement Officer.