Warwick council is the latest to launch an Additional Licensing Scheme – it came into force just before last weekend.

The district wide scheme requires landlords with houses, converted flats or purpose-built flats (including student accommodation) occupied by three or more persons living as two or more households to obtain an HMO licence in order to continue to operate.

In advance of the new rules, many HMO landlords who are known to the council have already received a licensing pack. Landlords who have not received a pack are advised to contact the Private Sector Housing team to register their details. 

Since January 1 the council has been inviting landlords to make their HMO licence applications with ‘early bird’ discounted fees available to those who submit them in full by March 14.

Any landlord whose HMO has been in continuous operation from January 18 should ensure that they have applied for a licence by July 18. Enforcement action will be taken by the Private Sector Housing team in the autumn for landlords who have failed to obtain a licence.

Landlords who do not wish to continue to operate their properties as HMOs can apply for Temporary Exemption Notices if they are able to bring the HMO use to an end within an agreed timeframe. Those landlords are advised to discuss individual cases with the Private Sector Housing team.

A council spokesperson says: “We are encouraged by the number of new applications for an HMO licence that have already been received. Landlords needing any support or guidance on the new rules and clarity on their responsibilities should contact the Private Sector Housing team who are here to help.”