Information on Loughborough

Charnwood Council Warns Landlords

Posted on 10/07/2007
Loughborough Newsdesk

house, key and a nooseLANDLORDS of licensable houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Loughborough and the rest of Charnwood are being warned that they could face heavy fines and a potential loss of rental income, if they fail to apply for a licence.

From April 2006, landlords of HMOs that are three storeys or more and are occupied by five or more people from 2 or more households (e.g. a student house, house occupied by unrelated individuals or bed-sits) - have been required to apply to Charnwood Borough Council, Southgate Street, Loughborough for a licence.

To date, the Council has identified 254 licensable properties within the Borough, with the vast majority of responsible landlords having applied for a licence.

Eileen Mallon, Director of Housing, said: "Were finishing the necessary checks and are in the process of issuing draft licences. This will be followed by final licences being issued shortly.

"Once we have completed this stage we will focus on those landlords of licensable properties that have failed to make an application to ensure that all are complying with the new legislation. Licensing is aimed at raising management and amenity standards in the rented property sector, as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in particular are often poorly managed and in poor physical condition. Licensing will raise the standards of such accommodation and will also ensure that landlords are managing their HMOs to the required standards. "

The Council has the power to interrogate council tax information, along with other data held, in order to identify properties that may require a licence.

A dedicated telephone line is now open for anyone wishing to report an unlicensed property (Loughborough 632 555.). Reports can be made anonymously and are recorded onto a dedicated messaging system which are then investigated.

Eileen added: "The successful identification of some of the HMOs has been possible thanks to tenants or neighbouring property owners, informing the Council directly. All notifications are investigated and appropriate action is being taken.