Landlords are being warned they need to comply with licensing and planning legislation for Houses in Multiple Occupation, with recent enforcement action underlining the importance.
The enforcement action relates to landlords operating licensable Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) without the required licence, as the council continues to protect tenants and ensure privately rented homes are safe and properly managed. Licensing requirements help ensure properties are suitably managed and maintained, while providing important protections for tenants, including for safety.
Bromley operates a mandatory HMO licensing scheme. A licence is generally required where a property is occupied by five or more people from more than one household who share facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms.
In one case, a landlord was issued with a financial penalty of £27,500 for operating a licensable HMO in Bolton Gardens, Bromley without the required licence. An appeal against the penalty was subsequently struck out, and the penalty is now being recovered by the council.
The council has also already used its planning powers in 2022 to ensure that all proposed HMOs require planning permission, using an Article 4 direction. Where an HMO is permitted, mandatory licensing then regulates the minimum standards of the property in larger HMOs.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: "Everyone deserves to live in safe, well-managed accommodation. Licensing requirements and housing standards are there to help protect tenants and ensure rented properties are properly maintained. By taking action where standards fall short, we are helping to protect residents and improve housing conditions across the borough.”
Councillor Angela Page, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement, added: “Landlords face significant financial penalties if they do not comply with the licensing legislation and planning requirements for HMOs. Landlords and managing agents have clear obligations, and where breaches are identified, we will not hesitate to use the enforcement powers available to us. This action sends a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated."
Tenants can check whether a property holds an HMO licence using the council's public licence register. Tenants living in an unlicensed HMO may also be able to apply for a Rent Repayment Order and recover up to two years' rent, depending on the circumstances.
Further information about HMO licensing and landlord responsibilities is available on the council website. Residents concerned about housing conditions in privately rented accommodation are encouraged to report concerns on the council website.
Ends
Notes to editors:
All fines were issued under two separate parts of the Housing Act 2004
- Housing Act 2004 Part 1 - Housing Conditions
- Housing Act 2004 Part 2 - Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
For media enquiries, please contact David Aderogba, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8466 3060 or email david.aderogba@bromley.gov.uk