Housing Standards Licensing Policy

Parts 2 and 3 of The Housing Act 2004 gives provision to local housing authorities to operate licensing schemes to help regulate the standards and management of private rented accommodation. All local housing authorities must operate mandatory houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing. 

There are 3 types of licences available:

• mandatory HMO licensing
• additional HMO licensing (not subject to mandatory licensing)

The policy deals with mandatory licensing for HMOs and selective licensing. We have not applied to extend its HMO licensing powers beyond the current mandatory requirements.