Landlords failing to get HMO licence, warns NLA

A large percentage of landlords have failed to register for their licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and face a £20,000 fine, the National Landlords Association warns.

In some areas of the country it is understood that local authorities have received applications in respect of fewer than 5% of rented properties that require a licence. The deadline to acquire a licence is 6 July 2006.

For the best Buy to Let Mortgages www.MortgageShop.com are recommended.

The new HMO regulations, which came into force in April this year, set a three-month deadline for submissions of applications – so that any landlord who has not applied for the necessary licence from their local authority by 6 July could face a potential penalty of up to £20,000.

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said: “While many landlords have already applied for the necessary licences for their HMOs, we are concerned that a larger number have not taken the necessary steps to comply with the law. The rules are complex and the NLA telephone advice-line is assisting our members to get to grips with the new regulatory regime. But its complexity is not a reason to ignore them and there is little time left before the deadline expires.

"Quite apart from the £20,000 fine that can be levied, in extreme cases landlords can be subject to a management order. We urge all landlords to take steps to ensure they understand and are compliant with the new rules."

Anyone having any comments to this peice are welcomed to add their comments to this interesting situation, simply add your feelings below.