TENANTS, landlords and residents are among those to be asked for their views on whether more HMOs – houses in multiple occupation- should fall under Warwick District Council’s proposed additional licencing scheme.
In a public consultation which runs until March 20, WDC is inviting interested parties to complete a questionnaire giving their views on the proposed scheme. This could include around 700 houses or flats occupied by three or four persons living as two or more households.
The council will also be seeking opinions as to whether Purpose Built Student Accommodation blocks (PBSA) should be excluded from the scheme.
WDC housing spokesperson Coun Jan Matecki said: “An increase in the number of HMOs within the district warrants the need for us to revisit our licencing requirements and gain valuable input and feedback from those living in these properties, landlords and close neighbours.
“A revised scheme would enable us to bring more homes under our licencing umbrella, meaning that they would be regularly inspected to ensure compliance with high standards for safety, space and repair. I would therefore encourage all those affected to take the opportunity to have their say.”
The consultation will cover areas such as how the scheme might operate, the areas of the district it should cover, and the type of buildings that should be included.
Those wishing to take part in the consultation can complete an online questionnaire on WDC’s website. In addition, the council’s Private Sector Housing team are arranging a series of meetings with key stakeholders, both online and face to face, with dates to be announced shortly.
There will also be drop-in sessions at Riverside House for anyone who would like to learn more or ask questions on a one-to-one basis with an officer on the following dates:
– Monday January 16 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
– Tuesday January 24 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
– Wednesday February 1 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
Further dates for February and March will be shared on WDC’s website and social media channels.
