Decision details

To adopt new HMO Licensing standards which are used to set HMO Licensing conditions, Overcrowding standards for non-licensable HMOs and insulation standards

(i) To approve the revised HMO Licensing Standards as set out in Appendix A of the report, to come into effect on 6 April 2017; and 

(ii) the Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods Service be authorised to approve amendments  to the HMO Licensing Standards.

The proposed revisions to the Standards, which reflect the review findings, ensure that they remain relevant and reflect need.  They will ensure that the Standards, which deal with management and housing issues, will continue to ensure that licensed HMO accommodation meets good management and housing standards.  In addition, The Standard will assist in the making overcrowding decisions in respect of none licensable HMOs and inform licence holders of the standards expected in respect of insulation.

To enable the Standards to be revised, to reflect the findings of future reviews, ensuring they remain relevant and reflect local need,  it is proposed that the Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods Service, be authorised to approve amendments to the Scheme. 

Option 1 – Do Nothing

Given the findings of the review, which identified that amendments are required to the Standards, to ensure that they remain relevant and reflects local need, this option is not considered appropriate.  The concern is, with the passage of time, the Standards will increasingly become out dated and not be fit for purpose, impacting on the housing and management standards in licensable HMOs.

Option 2 – Revoke Standards

The Standards enable a transparent, consistence approach, to including conditions on licenses.  It is an essential tool to officers, enabling sensible, informed decision making, relating to licensing conditions. They also enable Landlords to understand the standards they are expected to meet, aiding any licensing application.  This is therefore not considered to be an appropriate option.

Option 3 – Revise the Standards (the Proposal)

The proposed revisions to the Standards, which reflect to review findings, with regard to the consultation responses, will ensure they remain relevant and meet local need.  This will ensure that the Standards remain an effective tool to maintain good housing and management standards in HMO licensed accommodation.  In addition, the inclusion of the insulation standard, informs licence holders of the standard they are expected to meet, and against which their property will be assessed, when the Council considers whether there are insulation related hazards and what enforcement action to take.  Further, regard will be given to the Standards when deciding whether there is overcrowding, in none licensed HMOs.  For these reasons, this is the preferred option.