A consultation on a new licensing scheme for landlords letting out HMOs in Nottingham is running until May 24.

The Labour council – which has courted controversy on the scale of its landlord licensing in the past – says it wants to hear views on proposals to introduce a new five-year Additional HMO Licensing Scheme. 

The current scheme will soon end and the council wants a new scheme covering the whole city, running for five years from January 2024.

A statement from the council claims that “the scheme aims to help ensure safe and decent standards in these homes and contribute to raising the standards of private rented homes in the city overall.” 

Landlords would be required to apply for a licence, which can last up to five years, for each HMO property they rent out. Larger HMO properties shared by five or more people are covered by a different scheme – Mandatory licensing, which is a national scheme.

Councillor Toby Neal, the portfolio holder for housing, says: “This housing licensing scheme, along with others, is a major part of our plans to improve all types of private rented housing in the city. We believe people renting privately have a right to expect a decent standard of accommodation, which is safe, well managed and maintained. 

“Poor housing conditions and poor property management can have a serious impact on people’s health and wellbeing, as well causing problems for local neighbourhoods that see higher crime and anti-social behaviour rates.

“The council believes the introduction of a new licensing scheme would not only bring benefits for tenants and local communities, but also landlords who, by obtaining a licence, will be able to clearly demonstrate to prospective tenants that they meet required standards.”

You can respond to the survey here.