Norwich City Council has initiated a consultation on a comprehensive update to its Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing policy as it looks to enhance housing quality and tenant safety.
Under the plans the council wants to standardise five-year licenses and eliminate the current one- and three-year licensing options, instituting a uniform five-year license for all HMOs. This change is designed to provide greater stability for property owners and reduce administrative burdens.
A new risk-based strategy will be introduced to address license breaches, supplementing existing statutory powers to revoke or modify licenses in an effort to catch more rogue landlords.
The plans also include minor amendments to better align with existing and forthcoming housing legislation, ensuring that local regulations remain up-to-date and effective.
POTENTIAL IMPACT
Currently, approximately 1,000 properties in Norwich are licensed as HMOs. The proposed policy changes are expected to impact a significant number of these properties, particularly those housing five or more tenants forming more than one household with shared facilities.
The council’s initiative appears to be driven by a commitment to improving living conditions within the private rental sector.
By extending the standard license duration to five years, the council aims to reduce the frequency of administrative procedures, allowing for more efficient allocation of resources towards enforcement and property inspections.
RISK-BASED ENFORCEMENT
The introduction of a risk-based enforcement approach suggests a strategic shift towards prioritising properties and landlords that pose the greatest risk to tenant safety and well-being. This method enables the council to focus its efforts on the most pressing issues within the HMO sector.
This consultation follows a series of actions by Norwich City Council aimed at strengthening tenant protections and improving housing standards.
In December 2023, the council approved measures to establish minimum quality standards for all rental properties, create a dedicated enforcement team, and implement a clear reporting system for tenants with safety concerns.
The council also wants to expand licensing requirements to encompass all private rental properties in the city, a move that would require government approval.
