What
is a Property Licence? The new Property
Licence is to be introduced by local authorities on 6th April 2006 as part of
the Housing Act 2004. It's aim is to regulate rental properties and Landlords
and prevent the letting of substandard or dangerous accommodation. Landlords who
fail to comply with the new regulations will loose their right to evict their
tenants.
How
much does a Property Licence cost?
Property
Licence fees will vary from £400 to £1000 and be set by Local Authorities.
For up-to-date information contact your local authority or view the governments
property licence web site.
Who
Who needs a Property Licence?
Landlords
who let homes to more than one household will need to be licensed by their local
authorities. The licences will be needed for all properties of three storeys or
more, and for all properties with five or more people forming at least two households.
That is because tenants of larger properties are deemed to be at higher risk.
More information is available in the 'Do
you need a Property Licence' PDF file from the Office of the Deputy Prime
Ministers web site.
What
is a Multi-occupied property?
The
new law gives three definitions of a multi-occupied property: " One which
is occupied by more than one household and in which more than one household shares
an amenity (or the building lacks an amenity) such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking
facilities " One which is occupied by more than one household and which
is a converted building that does not entirely comprise self-contained flats (whether
or not there is also a sharing or lack of amenities) " One which is comprised
entirely of converted self-contained flats and the standard of conversion does
not meet, at a minimum, that required by the 1991 Building Regulation and more
than one-third of the flats are occupied under short tenancies. There are
some exemptions - for instance, buildings occupied by a resident landlord with
up to two tenants. Local authorities will also have discretion to bring in
their own additional licensing rules for these properties.
How
do I obtain a Property Licence?
To
obtain a license the landlord or agent will have to fulfill the various criteria
for occupancy, facilities, safety standards (gas certs., electrical, fire detection
and prevention, security and insulation etc.). Imperial Fire and security can
advise you on what is required for your property and ensure you comply with the
Code of Practice which will specify certain procedures and general duties for
the person or persons managing the property.
ACCESSORIES We stock a wide range
of fire control equipment, signage, emergency lighting, blankets, fire buckets
and even escape ladders. Please
contact us for more information.
