EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ON PROPERtY LICENSING
At Yellands Estates we strive to keep you updated on all there is to know when it comes to property whether you are a tenant or landlord. As you may be aware, property licensing is becoming an increasing mandatory requirement across England. As mystifying as the subject may feel, we’re here to simplify it down to the all you need-to-know essentials.
WHAT IS PROPERTY LICENSING AND WHY YOU NEED IT?
Property licensing has been put in place to protect the health and safety of tenants whilst also ensuring that privately rented houses/buildings meet quality set standards. It requires landlords to pay for a license which subjects them and their property to legal checks. Not only does this improve the standard of such properties but it also draws out negligent landlords who aren’t complying with regulations and putting tenants at risk.
There are three types of property licensing:
Mandatory Licensing
This type of licensing applies to all properties across England. It is applicable to houses in multiple occupation (HMO) that are more than 3 storeys high and occupy 5 or more persons from at least 2 or more households.
Additional Licensing
This license is applicable to any HMO that does not need a mandatory HMO license and is for properties occupied by 3-4 people from 2 or more households.
This type of license varies across England and is subject to the area’s local council.
Selective Licensing
This licensing depends on the property’s location. According to the Housing Act 2004, local councils have the authority to apply selective licensing to address problems specific to the area of privately rented houses. This can include problems such as low housing demand and/or anti-social behaviour.
HOW TO CHECK IF A PROPERTY NEEDS LICENSING?
As the type of licensing required varies depending on property and location, we do advise you to contact your local council for further information.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T LICENSE A LET PROPERTY?
There are strict penalties that can be enforced if you do not license your property accordingly. Our team at Yellands Estates can help and provide advice on applications and any changes that have occurred to licensing legislation.
HOW YELLANDS ESTATES CAN HELP YOU WITH PROPERTY LICENSING
At Yellands, our ethos is to provide sound knowledge so that you can make the right decisions, confidently when it comes to property licensing. We are happy to assist you with the following areas and local councils for Redbridge, Newham, Waltham Forest and Havering.
