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Responding to licensing consultations
A guide
Last updated: 23/09/2024 • First published: 07/09/2020
Introduction
The NRLA exists to support landlords and to lobby national and local government on behalf of our members-we are fighting for a fair deal for the nation's landlords. We are always working to support landlords and provide evidence to local councils.
Alongside the NRLA's consultation, we know that some members want to submit their objections to the local authority. That is why we have produced a handy toolkit for landlords should they wish to do so.
The different types of licence
The Housing Act 2004 introduced three different types of licence for properties:
- Mandatory HMO licence - applies to all larger HMO (5 or more people) with certain exceptions.
- Additional HMO licence - applies to other HMO not captured by a mandatory HMO licence. It is the local authority's decision whether to introduce an additional licensing scheme and which types of HMO are covered.
- Discretionary licence - applies to properties not caught by a mandatory or additional licence. It is the local authority's decision whether to introduce discretionary licensing.
Does my area have licensing?
The NRLA in partnership with Kamma offers a licensing portal to establish local licensing schemes in your area so you know what you need for your property.
https://staging.nrla.org.uk/services/property-management/365-licensing
A local authority has the power to introduce selective licensing of private rented properties under the Housing Act 2004. The same Act also introduced a licensing regime for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
If a local authority decides to consult on discretionary licensing, this guide will outline the legal requirements the local authority needs to fulfil as well as resources available to members to respond to the consultation process.