New regulations for Houses in Multiple Occupation in force

There are new regulations in place which govern houses in multiple occupation. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it's important to know what these rules mean for you. 

Landlords who owned houses which had at least 3 stories and were occupied by at least 5 people in two or more separate households were obliged to register these dwellings with the local authority.

In relation to flats, mandatory registration was required for large flats in multiple occupation above or below business premises.

The position changed on the 1st October 2018 pursuant to the Licencing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (prescribed description) (England) Order 2018 SI/2018/221.   

As of the 1st October 2018, houses with just one storey or more, which are occupied in such a way, must be registered. In relation to flats, less than 3 flats in a building will now require registration if they are located above shops or a high street locations.

Landlords should to be aware that if the properties ought to have been registered, but they have failed to do so they could be:

• found guilty of a criminal offence;
• ordered to pay the tenant rent
• prevened from serving a Section 21 Housing Act Notice, which applies to assured shorthold tenancies.

We at Samuels Solicitors LLP, based in Devon, have a wealth of experience in assisting both landlords and tenants who become involved in disputes. 

If you have a dispute involved a rented property, contact us to see how we can help.