The local authority have launched a public consultation on a new licensing scheme.
In England the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme, which was established in 2006, applies to properties that contain five or more people who form more than one household. Usually, individuals who live in a HMO rent one bedroom in the house and share facilities such as kitchens and bathroom.
The license aims to protect the health and safety of tenants by ensuring bedrooms are big enough for people to live in and making sure the maximum number of residents the property can house is not exceeded.
While this scheme is effective, Peterborough Borough Council have proposed a new initiative to benefit locals. The regulations would cover HMOs occupied by three or four people comprising two or more households, the council said, giving the authority greater control over living and safety standards.
It is understood that the system would be digital and include free guidance and training videos.
‘Our Selective Licensing initiative has already proved successful and helped enhance standards of homes in the private rented sector,’ Alison Jones, cabinet member for housing and communities at the council said. ‘We now want to look at introducing a further similar scheme, focused at improving conditions in HMOs. I would urge everyone to have their say in this consultation, your feedback it vitally important and will help us make a final decision.’
The consultation is set to run from today (Monday 19th May) until 31st July 2025. More information about how to take part can be found here.
After the pubic have engaged, a full report on the findings will be presented to the council’s cabinet during their next meeting. Here, members will decide whether to implement the scheme or not.
Photo by Maximillian Conacher
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