Fresh call for all landlords to get licences

News Category: Legal

This article was brought to you by Rentman the premium property management system

Fire chiefs and council officials in the North-East of England have backed a call for all landlords with residential lettings to ensure their properties conform to government standards for amenities and fire safety, or face a £20,000 fine.

Officials at Stockton Council believe there several landlords are still unaware of the requirements of the Mandatory Licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupancy rules, introduced by the government in April 2006, the Gazette reported.

The council has urged any landlord who has not obtained a licence to show they have complied with the legislation to do so immediately, and they have been backed by the local fire service who highlighted the increased risk of fire presented by shared housing.

Councilor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council's Cabinet member for housing and community safety, told the newspaper: "Most landlords supply housing which meets the legal standards and this licensing scheme is designed to help them prove it."

"We need landlords to get in touch so we can begin the process of helping them meet the required regulations and make sure they don’t get hit with a £20,000 fine."

Under the government's regulations relating to houses in multiple occupancy, licences may be needed by any landlord renting out a property with three or more storeys or to people who are unrelated to each other.

How to stay legally compliant with letting agent software