Mandatory HMO licensing extension to start in October 2018

The government has confirmed that the long-awaited extension of mandatory HMO Licensing. It will be introduced from 1st October 2018. The regulations replace the previous prescribed description of HMO, removing the current three-storey rule. From 1st October 2018, properties that meet all of the following criteria will be subject to mandatory licensing:
- occupied by five or more persons (HMO’s with 3 or 4 tenants will not be affected)
- occupied by persons living in two or more separate households;

Minimum Room Sizes
Minimum room size of 6.51sq metres for one person and 10.23sq metres for two people. The floor measurement would be “useable” and exclude any parts of the room where ceiling height is under 1.5 metres.

No Grace period
Landlords with properties that meet the new criteria for mandatory HMO licensing will be required to submit an application by 1st October 2018, representing a six month informal period to become compliant. There is no 6 months grace period as previously expected.