New measures to improve the safety for tenants  

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is warning landlords and letting agents of major changes to Housing Legislation that comes into force later this year.  

From 1 October 2018, owners of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) will be committing an offence and could face prosecution if their property does not conform to the new regulation. Properties where five or more people share facilities will need to be licensed. Until this change, a licence was only required for properties that were three storeys or more.  A licence will be required even for single storey properties.  

Cllr Peter Richards, Health, Wellbeing and Housing Portfolio commented: "Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live. Public safety is paramount - everyone has the right to be safe in their own home.  This is an important move by the Government, and the District Council is keen to enforce this legislation in order to ensure that tenants in shared accommodation have a safe and proper standard of housing."   

Landlords can apply for a licence before 1 October so that they are compliant with this legislation. 

At the beginning of April this year, another change affected rented properties.  All properties that are let on a new contract have to meet a minimum energy standard (Energy Performance Certificate - EPC) rating of 'E' or above.  By 2020 all existing rented properties will have to meet this standard.  

Landlords are being urged to contact the District Council for advice on the implications of these regulations.   

Tenants can raise any concerns they may have with the Private Sector Housing Team at the District Council on 01789 260848 or email psht@stratford-dc.gov.uk

Pictured are Councillor Peter Richards, Health, Wellbeing and Housing Portfolio at Stratford District Council handing over an application pack for an HMO license to local landlord, Peter Pettifor.

An HMO is where three or more unrelated people share the accommodation. This requires higher standards than non-shared housing.

A licence is required where the number of occupants reaches five people in two or more households.  (For example, a couple with a child sharing facilities such as a kitchen with another couple reaches this threshold.  If they are members of one family - this is one household so a licence is not required).

Landlords can come forward until 30 September if they would like advice on these regulations.