Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation

HMO LICENCE FEES TO INCREASE FROM 1ST APRIL 2011

Please see the New HMO Licensing Fees section below.

 

Licence Summary

Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 introduced a Mandatory Licensing Scheme for certain houses in multiple occupation known as HMOs.

If you rent out an HMO in Wirral, you may require a licence from Wirral Council.

 

Eligibility Criteria

If an HMO has 3 or more storeys (including basements and mezzanines), is occupied by 5 or more persons, forming 2 or more households and there is some form of sharing of bathroom and/ or kitchen facilities, then the property will probably require a Licence.

The Council must grant a Licence if it is satisfied that an HMO is suitable for occupation by a set number of people and adequate amenities are available.

The applicant for a Licence must be a fit and proper person and the property to be licensed must be properly managed.

Certain conditions will be attached to any Licence granted and if these conditions are breached or not complied with, then the Council can pursue Legal action, which can include Prosecution.

It is a criminal offence for a person having control of a Licensable HMO not to apply for a Licence and a fine of up to £20,000 could be imposed if the Council decides to prosecute.

Government HMO licensing leaflet [PDF 278KB]

 

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is the public interest that the Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Council within a reasonable period, please contact them on the number to the right or online if you applied through the UK Welcomes Service.

 

Apply for a licence

New HMO Licensing Fees

As part of a wider review of fees and charges across the Council. HMO licensable fees will increase from 1 April 2011.

The initial fees will be £250.00 per annum for licensable HMOs of up to 5 units of accommodation, plus an additional £30 for each additional unit of accommodation (up to a maximum of £600 per annum for an HMO).

However, because we recognise landlords with accredited properties have proved they maintain the property to a good standard and manage them effectively we will offer a 20% discount on the initial fee to those Landlords who:

  • already have their property accredited,
  • agree to submit their property for accreditation, and
  • attend a HMO Training Day run by the Residential Landlords Association, which will give landlords a good understanding of some of the complex areas of legislation regarding these properties.

As with the previous fee structure, HMO licenses will be renewable on an annual basis with the 20% discount applicable, providing the property remains accredited.

If you would like more information about HMO License Fees, or think you have an HMO that requires a license call the Council's Housing Standards team on 0151 691 8156.

 

Failed application redress

You may appeal to a residential property tribunal within 28 days regarding a failed application, conditions attached to a licence or any decision to vary or revoke a licence.

Where a Licencable HMO is incapable of being Licenced or has had it’s Licence revoked, then the Council is under a duty to serve a Management Order, which effectively transfers the Management of the HMO to a Managing Agent who has been appointed by the Council.

The costs of improving the property and the management and maintenance fees can be recovered from the Rental stream, with any surplus being paid to the Landlord.