Reading HMO Licences

Reading Borough Council has commenced a consultation into altering the current licensing scheme for landlords who own and let out Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in areas of the town.

HMOs usually are domestic premises originally designed for occupation by one family, which have been converted for occupation by a number of separate families or individuals. It is normally defined as one or more units that are not self-contained flats, occupied by more than one household, sharing basic amenities. However there are other tests that can be applied to determine whether a property is an HMO, and there are different forms of licencing, with each local council being granted significant leeway with regard to its licencing regime.

Landlords who own HMOs of more than 5 people must possess licences which oblige landlords to adhere to certain conditions, to ensure safety measures and proper waste management, and prevent overcrowding.

The council’s Labour administration now wants to introduce licensing for all HMOs, regardless of the number of people living in them. If approved the scheme would apply to the Redlands and Park wards of East Reading, and the Battle ward of West Reading.

The consultation is live on the council’s website, which is running for 10 weeks.

Oliver Kew

Published on 18/06/2024