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Licensing houses in multiple occupation

All landlords and property managing agents who let large houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) need to apply for an HMO licence.  It is a criminal offence not to have an HMO licence and you could be fined up to £20,000. We will also be able to use rent repayment orders to claim back rent and housing benefit paid while the property was operated without a licence.

In Portsmouth, properties of three or more floors, with five or more tenants belonging to two or more households are required by law to be licensed.

Properties that meet the criteria for licensing and which were already registered under the Portsmouth City Council (registration of houses in multiple occupation) special control scheme in force before 6 April 2006 have been transferred into the new scheme. 

We will grant a HMO licence if we are satisfied that:

• the proposed licence holder (which can be the owner, landlord or managing agent) is a ‘fit and proper’ person
• the property and the tenancies are managed appropriately
• the accommodation meets all minimum standards such as sufficient number of toilets, kitchens and bathrooms for the number of residents

In determining whether or not the proposed licence holder is a fit and proper person, we will take into account a number of factors including:

• any previous convictions relating to offences involving violence, including sexual violence, drugs, fraud or dishonesty
• any contraventions of any laws relating to housing or landlord and tenant issues
• any unlawful discrimination practices
• any breach of licence conditions
• any outstanding debt with us in relation to a housing matter
• the adequacy of management arrangements

Also, whether the proposed licence holder has:

• managed HMOs otherwise than in accordance with the management of HMOs (England) regulations 2006
• been in control of a property subject to an HMO control order, an interim management order (IMO) or final management order (FMO)
• been in control of a property where works in default were carried out by a local authority and the debt is outstanding
• been deemed not to be fit and proper by another local authority
• failed to act in accordance with any approved code of practice of a recognised landlords association of whom they are a member

For more information, contact:

Housing Standards, Portsmouth City Council, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AZ

Telephone: 023 9283 4215

Email: housing.privatesector@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

 

Associated documents:

• Amenity standards that apply to licensed premises  (0.03 MB)

• Licence fee breakdown  (0.03 MB)

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