LANDLORDS FORUM 2011 Town Hall, Oxford Wednesday, 5 th January 2011

Additional Licensing of HMOs What we hope to achieve What HMOs will be covered & when it will start How it will operate What it will cost How good landlords will be recognised

What we hope to achieve in the next 6 years Significant improvement in the condition and management of the HMO stock A significant reduction in service requests related to HMOs A clear regulatory landscape that provides a level playing field An improved reputation for the private rented sector in Oxford

What will be licensed and when? Two stages 24 th January 2011 –All three or more storey HMOs with three or four tenants –All two storey HMOs with 5 or more tenants 30 th January 2012 –All other HMOs apart from certain poorly converted self contained flats Each scheme will last 5 years, subject to review

How will it work? Extension of the mandatory licensing system –Paperwork & certificates still required There will be an annual licence Every HMO will be inspected prior to the issue of a licence –Initial inspection costs more –Annual renewal will be much cheaper Conditions imposed on a case by case basis Online application form and electronic payment

The online licence application process Fill in online proposal & submit sent within 7 days containing reference number, information on the fee & what documents are required Pay online using reference number Send relevant documents as scanned images to

The online licence application process confirmation sent & contact within 7 working days to arrange an inspection Inspection carried out Draft licence sent to all parties as a pdf file for 14 days consultation Licence sent by as a pdf file

How much will it cost - Licensing Fees Initial application fee for a 3 storey HMO and 2 storey HMOs with 5 occupants £470 + £20 for each additional room Annual renewal fee for 3 storey HMO and 2 storey HMOs with 5 or more occupants £172 Initial application fee for 2 storey HMO with 3 or 4 occupants £362 Annual renewal application fee for 2 storey HMO with 3 or 4 occupants £150

How good landlords will benefit Create a level playing field in the HMO market Fit & Proper status for licence holders will prevent rogue landlords and agents from managing HMOs Additional charges will be applied to cover the costs of extra work Reductions in fees for good landlords who are accredited

Additional charges In the event of property being found by officers surveying for HMOs a finders fee will be added unless the landlord is able to demonstrate that they became the owner of the HMO within the previous 12 weeks £163 Additional charge to be added following second letter sent chasing licence application (this may be in addition to fees above) £35 Additional charge to be applied in the event of a reinspection being required during the renewal process as a result of poor management for a 3 storey HMO and 2 storey HMOs with 5 or more occupants £130 Additional charge to be applied in the event of a reinspection being required during the renewal process as a result of poor management for a 2 storey HMO with 3 or 4 occupants £86 Additional charge for missing an appointment during inspection process £86

Fee reductions Accredited LandlordsA fee reduction of 10% If you own or manage more than one licensable HMO, you are entitled to the following reductions per property for the initial application 2-19 properties: £20 20 or more properties: £30

How we will deal with rogue landlords Known problem addresses will be targeted We will encourage local residents to help us locate HMOs Continue with our strong enforcement policy

What about the HMOs already licensed? Annual renewal Same fees as first stage of additional licensing i.e. £172

Any questions?