A consultation on a new licensing regime looks set to start in Warwick in the new year.

The council will next week decide whether to consult on a scheme that would see more Houses in Multiple Occupation, fall within its licensing structure.

Currently there are around 700 known unlicenced properties – these are three and four person shared houses, converted flats and bedsit-type accommodation and are not subject to the current licencing scheme, which just covers larger HMOs with five or more occupants. 

The licencing scheme would require landlords to ensure all HMOs are safe, meet minimum space standards, maintained in good repair and free from serious hazards. 

Councillor Jan Matecki, Warwick District Council Portfolio Holder for Housing, says: “There has been an increased growth of HMOs in Warwick District, and additional licencing is seen as an effective way of bringing those homes not currently licenced under tighter controls and giving tenants the reassurance of higher safety standards. 

“The paper I will be bringing forward to Cabinet on 7 December will also deal with many of the issues that residents have that live near to these HMOs. If approved by Councillors, the consultation for this licencing scheme will provide the opportunity for tenants, residents and landlords to have their say on the proposed scheme.” 

Subject to Cabinet approval, the consultation will run from 9 January to 20 March 2023 and will cover areas such as, how the scheme might operate, the areas of the district it should cover, and whether to include certain types of converted buildings and purpose-built flats.