LICENSING powers will be extended to more shared occupancy homes in Warwick district from the new year.
Warwick District Council has formally announced that it will be introducing an additional licensing scheme for homes in multiple occupancy from January 18 2024.
The district wide-scheme, which was approved by cabinet on August 9 – and follows a public consultation earlier in the year – will require houses, converted flats or purpose-built flats (including student accommodation) occupied by three or more persons living as two or more households to legally obtain an HMO licence in order to continue to operate.
In the coming weeks, WDC’s private sector housing team will be contacting all those affected including landlords, letting and managing agents, advising them to ensure that they have all the necessary documents and safety certificates in place in order to submit their licence application ahead of when the new legislation comes into force.
WDC housing spokesperson Coun Paul Wightman said: “We are expecting in the order of 700 HMOs to require licensing under this new scheme. Many of these properties have never had a formal inspection by the council so this is a great opportunity to bring these additional homes under our licensing umbrella, meaning that they will comply to a high standard of safety and repair, greatly benefitting tenants and members of the wider community.”
Landlords who have already informed WDC that their property falls under the new additional licensing regulations will be issued with an application pack.
Those now needing to register their details are advised to contact the private sector housing team on 01926 456359 or email [email protected]
New applications can be submitted from January 1 2024.
More details are available on WDC’s website.
