Landlords in Peterborough could face fines of up to £30,000, or potentially unlimited penalties from the courts, for renting out certain shared homes without the correct licence.
Failing to arrange a licence could mean landlords get ordered to repay up to 12 months’ rent. In serious cases, the council could also revoke a licence and take over the management of the property.
The Peterborough additional HMO (Homes of Multiple Occupation) licensing scheme is now live. It applies to homes with three or four unrelated occupants who share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Previously, only larger HMOs with five or more residents required a licence under national rules.
The change significantly widens the scope of regulation in the city. The goal being to ensure more rented properties are safe and well managed.
The scheme covers bespoke HMOs as well as privately rented homes occupied by three or four people, where at least one resident is not related to the others.
Freeholders are also affected in certain cases. An Additional Section 257 HMO licence will be required where a building has been converted into self-contained flats that do not meet 1991 Building Regulations standards and more than a third of the flats are let on shorthold tenancies.
It is estimated that around 2,000 properties in Peterborough will now fall under the Peterborough additional HMO licensing scheme, having previously operated without the need for a licence. The scheme will remain in force until 25 January 2031. Licences last for five years and cost £1,100, with landlords required to meet conditions designed to improve management standards, reduce anti-social behaviour such as rubbish dumping, and enhance a certain level of living conditions for their tenants.
Councillor Christian Hogg, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “I welcome the launch of Additional Licensing and seeing the positive effects it will have on our communities. The scheme will enhance the work we already do with landlords in the private rented sector. We will now have a more active role in ensuring all private tenants can live in housing that is safe, of high standard, appropriately managed and offers appropriate tenancy protection.
“I would urge landlords who will be affected by Additional Licensing to apply for licences at the earliest opportunity. Our Housing Standards team and HomeSafe are always happy to answer any questions or provide guidance and support where needed.”
The council is delivering the Peterborough additional HMO licensing scheme in partnership with Home Safe, which will manage applications and carry out inspections of licensed properties. Landlords and agents must apply directly through Home Safe, which already works with the council on its Selective Licensing scheme.
Mike Brook, Scheme Manager at Home Safe, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Peterborough City Council to deliver the Additional Licensing Scheme, helping ensure more HMOs meet the standards tenants deserve.
“Help and guidance is available for landlords and agents on the Home Safe website alongside the online application form, so anyone operating a property that requires a licence should apply now and ensure they are compliant.
