Calling all owners of rented properties in the Winchester District
Winchester City Council is reminding all owners of rented property in the district to be aware of the new licensing requirements coming into force in April.On 6 April 2006 any owner or manager of a higher risk house in multiple occupation (HMO) within the district will be required by law to licence the property with Winchester City Council, following the governments Housing Act 2004.
"Mandatory Licensing" is a national scheme and relates to all HMOs with 3 or more storeys which are occupied by 5 or more people, who are not members of the same household.
A licence fee which is variable, will be charged for the cost of processing and verifying applications. Once a licence has been approved it will be issued for a period of up to five years.
Running an HMO without a licence, or breaching the terms of a licence, is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to £20,000.
For more information about licensing requirements and an Application Pack, please contact the Council's Private Sector Housing Team on 01962 848 381, or visit the WCC website at www.winchester.gov.uk .