[H]oteliers and private landlords are being warned about important changes in the way houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs) are licensed.
New legislation is expected to have a big impact on hotels across South Lakeland where accommodation is provided for staff.
The changes will also affect landlords who have student lets.
Currently only around 60 properties are licensed HMOs across South Lakeland and it is estimated that figure could treble.
From 1 October 2018 any property regardless of size, with five or more people in two or more households, will require a licence.
As the local licensing authority, South Lakeland District Council is now urging property owners who are affected by the changes to make an application or risk prosecution.
A spokesperson for SLDC said: “The new legislation, which is designed to drive up standards in the private rented sector, will mean more local landlords will now need to apply for a licence.
“The government is removing the previous three storey requirement on HMOs, meaning any property regardless of size which is shared by five or more adults from more than one household must be licensed.
“For example, if you are an hotelier providing accommodation for your staff, the landlord of student lets or you rent a property which is shared by more than one family, then the property will now need a licence.”
Landlords who have not submitted their application to the Housing Standards Department at SLDC before the 1 October 2018 deadline may be committing an offence.
A licence costs £368 for up to five bedrooms and £25 for each extra bedroom, to a maximum of £600. Licences usually last for five years.
For more details about HMO licensing and to make an application please go to the SLDC website www.southlakeland.gov.uk or telephone the Housing Standards Department on 01539 733333. A paper application can also be requested.
To help local landlords and agents understand more about their legal and safety responsibilities, energy efficiency standards and take advantage of a range of offers, SLDC is hosting a special event at The Mintworks in Kendal on Thursday 27 September from 6.30pm until 8pm. To reserve your place telephone 01539 793216 or email: housingstandards@southlakeland.gov.uk
