Knowsley landlords who rent out Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are reminded to check if they need to apply for a licence.
Knowsley Council’s HMO licence scheme has been introduced to ensure that landlords who rent out a building to a number of tenants or households keep their properties in good condition and the accommodation is suitable for the number of people living there.
The licencing process will include an inspection by the council to ensure properties are well maintained, have safe gas and electricity supplies and adequate living space.
Failure to apply for a licence could result in legal action, an unlimited court fine and the repayment of rent received during an unlicensed period.
Why has the licence scheme been introduced?
The Housing Act 2004 introduced the licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to ensure safety and regulation in the sector. The legislation makes it compulsory to licence all ‘higher-risk’ HMOs and gives powers to councils to licence other types of ‘smaller’ HMOs to secure compliance if appropriate.
I am a landlord. Do I need to apply for a HMO licence?
A landlord must have a licence for a privately rented HMO if the property being rented out:
- is occupied by five or more people;
- those people form two or more households;
- tenants share some amenities like kitchen, bathroom or laundry
Find out more about licence fees and charges.
What is in a licence?
The licence will specify the maximum number of people who may live in the HMO. It will also include the following conditions, which apply to every licence:
- A valid current gas safety certificate, which is renewed annually, must be provided and a valid current Electrical Installation Certificate must be provided at a minimum of every five years
- Proof that all electrical appliances and furniture are kept in a safe condition
- Proof that all smoke alarms are correctly positioned and installed as per the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022
- Each occupier must have a written statement of the terms on which they occupy the property, for example, a tenancy agreement.
Licences are valid for five years although it can be for a one-year period if there are doubts over the application or how the property will be managed.
Find out more about the HMO licensing scheme.