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In this issue:
On 28 March 2023 at 5pm until 4 April 2023 at 12 noon, we will be carrying out maintenance work on our webpages. This means that we will not be able to accept any HMO new applications, renewals, variations or revocations between these dates. We will also not be accepting TEN applications. You can still report disrepair in HMOs on our webpage.
Please note that if you are due to make an HMO application or renewal application over this period, we will be allowing additional time to submit the relevant application.
We are receiving several queries about the status of the proposed Article 4 direction designation. We have been advised by our colleagues in Planning Policy that the responses to the consultation have been received and are being considered by central government. It is expected the Article 4 designation will come into effect on 20 September 2023, and Planning Policy will update the planning policy webpage when there is more news. Please send any queries to planningpolicy@coventry.gov.uk as we are not able to answer questions regarding it.
We are also being asked whether we will still grant HMO licences once the designation comes into effect. The circumstances under which we can refuse to grant an HMO licence are set out in Section 66 of the Housing Act 2004. We have no power or ability to refuse to grant an HMO licence because an Article 4 designation is in effect. However, if an HMO is operating without the benefit of the correct planning permission, we may grant the licence for a reduced period, and/or add a condition to the licence requiring that the correct permission be obtained.
Planning Policy have today launched a consultation on their policy for assessing planning applications for HMOs. This will cover both HMOs that already require planning permission (those that comprise 7 or more persons) and HMOs that will require planning permission if and when the proposed Article 4 designation comes into effect (those that comprise 6 or fewer persons). The consultation is open until 15 May 2023, and you can participate on the consultation page. Please send any queries regarding the consultation to planningpolicy@coventry.gov.uk as we are not able to answer questions regarding it.
We are changing our HMO licensing fee structure from 1 April 2023. The fees will apply to new HMO applications that are submitted on or after 1 April 2023. Please see the new fee structure below. We will also be updating our HMO policy to reflect the changes in fees.
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Application type
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Stage 1 fee
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Stage 2 fee
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Total fee
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New application for a one-year licence where the HMO has been found to be operating unlicensed for more than 12 weeks
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£600.00
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£1,150.00
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£1,750.00
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New application for a one-year licence where
i) The HMO was acquired and/or began operating as an HMO within the previous 12 weeks; or
ii) The licence expired before a valid renewal application was completed; or
iii) Change of existing licence holder
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£600.00
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£620.00
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£1,220.00
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New application - two year licence
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£600.00
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£270.00
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£870.00
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New application - five year licence
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£600.00
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£190.00
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£790.00
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Standard renewal - renewal of a licence
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£600.00
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£165.00
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£765.00
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We will also be updating the below licensing fees:
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Pre-licensing advice - £250.00 plus VAT
- Printing and posting paper application forms - £33.00
- Additional paper application forms - £11.00
We want to work with you to improve housing in the city. If you want to get in touch with any questions please, contact the team:
Email: hmo@coventry.gov.uk
Telephone: 024 7697 5467
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