Purpose

Following consultation, a full
report on the findings and outcomes will be presented to the
council’s cabinet, who will decide whether to implement the
scheme. The Council has had a national Mandatory HMO licensing
scheme in place since 2006, however if the new scheme is
introduced, it would allow the authority to licence a much wider
range of HMOs within its area. This would include HMOs that are
occupied by three or four persons comprising two or more
households, which are currently not within the scope of Mandatory
HMO licensing. As a result, the council would have greater control
of living standards and ensure the safety of residents in its area.
Additional Licensing would also positively promote compliant
landlords and make it easier to involve all landlords in wider
strategies including crime reduction initiatives, local spatial
strategies, and other schemes. The licensing system would be
digital, making the process straightforward for applicants and also
include free guidance and training videos. The application process
would be delivered in direct partnership by The Home Safe Scheme
LTD, who are delivering the council’s Selective Licensing
scheme. The consultation also includes surveys for
residents/tenants and landlords/agents. For more information on the
consultation and to have your say visit Additional Licensing
consultation page.

Decision

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    
Approve the designation of a
city-wide Additional Licensing Scheme for the full period of 5
years for a designated period that will be between 26 January 2026
to 25 January 2031 following the required statutory period of three
months post designation of the scheme before it can be
enforced.

2.    
Accept the Additional Licensing
licence conditions for all associated 3 & 4 bedroomed licenced
properties as detailed in the report appendices.

3.    
Accept the updated HMO Licensing
licence conditions for all associated 5 or more bedroomed licenced
properties as detailed in the report appendices.

4.    
Accept the updated Civil Penalties
policy in the report appendices.

5.    
Agree to a procurement and market
testing exercise to develop a digital HMO licensing process for all
associated 5 or more bedroomed licensed properties in line with
Selective Licensing and Additional Licensing if
designated.

6.    
Authorise the Director of Housing
& Communities, following consultation with the Cabinet Member
for Housing and Regulatory Services to:

i.           
Ensure compliance in all respects
with all relevant procedures and formalities applicable to the
authorisation of such schemes.

ii.           
Keep the proposed scheme under
review during the designation lifetime and agree any minor changes
to the proposed implementation and delivery, including
administration, fees and conditions and give all necessary
statutory notifications.

iii.           
Ensure that all statutory
notifications are carried out in the prescribed manner for the
designation and to take all necessary steps

A full report can be found
below.