Nottingham Landlord News October 2023

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Latest news and updates from Safer Housing at Nottingham City Council

Top Stories

Additional Licensing: Important Updates! HMO Licence Holders and Mangers

safer housing 3 infographic

A new scheme of Additional HMO Licensing for Privately Rented Houses was approved at Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board on the 19th September 2023. The scheme will start on the 1st January 2024 and will run for up to five years city wide.

To check whether a property is within the designated area go to: http://geoserver.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/myproperty and enter the relevant postcode.


A public notice and the designation map is displayed in Loxley House on Station Street Nottingham and further detail will be available on our website shortly  Additional Licensing - Nottingham City Council

All licences in the current additional designation will remain in force until they expiry, this date is given in your licence document. We are accepting new licence applications from the 1st November 2023 for the 2024 designation. Follow the webpage link above to apply for a licence.

Upon the designation coming into force on the 1st January 2024 any person who operates a licensable HMO without a licence, or allows a licensed HMO to be occupied by more households or persons than authorised by a licence, or a person who breaches a condition of a licence is liable to prosecution and upon summary conviction to an unlimited fine. You can view some of our enforcement interventions here: Investigating Housing Offence - Nottingham City Council

The new HMO fees were also approved and will be introduced from the 1st October 2023 for all HMO applications. The Part A payment is collected as part of the application process and the Part B payment is collected before the final licence is issues. If the licence application is refused the part B payment is not collected.

 

Licence Fee

New From 1st October 2023

Standard fee

1st payment (Part A) £670

2nd payment (Part B) £803

Total £1473

Less compliant fee

1st payment (part A) £670

2nd payment (Part B) £1311

Total £1981

Accredited fee

1st payment (Part A) £670

2nd payment (Part B) £453

Total £1123

 

If you require any further information please visit our website pages Additional Licensing - Nottingham City Council and Mandatory Licensing for HMO's - Nottingham City Council or you can email hmo@nottinghamcity.gov.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

Selective Licensing: Important Updates!

safer housing 3 infographic

A new scheme of Selective Licensing for Privately Rented Houses was approved at Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board in January 2023 and confirmed by the Secretary of State in July 2023. The scheme will start on the 1 December 2023 and will run for up to five years.

The designation (boundary) has changed to the previous scheme. To check whether a property is within the area go to:

 

Further details are available on our website  Selective Licensing - Nottingham City Council

All licences in the previous selective designation will remain in force until they expire, this date is given in your licence document. If your licence has expired, we are accepting new licence applications now for the new scheme. Follow the webpage link above to apply for a licence.

Upon the designation coming into force on the 1 December 2023 any person who operates a licensable house without a licence is liable to a civil penalty or prosecution and upon summary conviction to an unlimited fine. You can view some of our enforcement interventions here: Investigating Housing Offence - Nottingham City Council

The new fees have been reviewed. The Part A payment is collected as part of the application process and the Part B payment is collected before the final licence is issued. If the licence application is refused the part B payment is not collected.

Individual application fees:

Individual Fees Selective

Block licence application fees:

Block fees Selective

If you require any further information, please visit our website or email selective.licensing@nottinghamcity.gov.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.


More News

Renters Reform Bill Update – Parliamentary Developments

House of Parliament Night

On Thursday 19th October 2023, the Leader of the Commons, Penny Mordaunt, confirmed that MPs would debate the Renters (Reform) Bill at second reading stage on Monday 23rd October. This news story provides updates on:

  • The process in the House of Commons
  • The Government response to the LUHC Committee Report on the Private Rented Sector

The link below provides a summary of the second reading of the Bill.

Read full article HERE


Exciting News: The Great British Insulation Scheme is Here to Help You!

energy rating

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news that will not only benefit our tenants but also boost the energy efficiency of your properties. The Great British Insulation Scheme, a brand-new government initiative that started in April 2023 and will continue through to March 2026.

Formerly known as ECO+, this substantial £1 billion program is designed to assist approximately 300,000 households across the country in upgrading their insulation, making their homes more energy-efficient, and ultimately saving money on their energy bills.

The best part? This scheme is not just about saving money; it's also about helping those who need it the most. It extends its support to a wider range of households, including those in the lowest income brackets and those residing in the least energy-efficient homes (Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below). In addition, it includes properties in lower Council Tax bands (A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales).

This expansion means that more people than ever, especially those who are finding it challenging to manage their bills, will have access to the financial support they need to improve the energy efficiency in their homes. This not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers heating bills.

Here's how the scheme works: it places an obligation on energy suppliers to assist their customers in reducing their heating bills by offering energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation. Depending on the specific measure and any property-related factors, the cost of these improvements may be fully covered by the scheme, or a contribution can be requested.

Eligible households will have the opportunity to check their eligibility on GOV.UK or through a participating energy supplier or local authority. If you qualify, you will be contacted to arrange a home survey and to coordinate the installation process.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your dedication to providing comfortable and cost-effective living spaces for your tenants. This scheme is a big step towards achieving that goal, and we encourage you to explore the possibilities it offers.

To apply for support from the Great British Insulation Scheme using the link below:

Apply for support from the Great British Insulation Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)


Government Guidance on Damp and Mould: Ensuring Safe and Healthy Homes

Mould

In our commitment to keeping you informed about the latest updates in the world of landlordship, we're pleased to share the recent release of updated guidance by the Government. This guidance is centered around 'Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home.'

You can access the full guidance document directly on the government's official website by following this link: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home--2

This guidance emphasises the importance of safe, warm, and dry living conditions for all residents in the UK. As landlords, it's incumbent upon us to provide accommodations that are not only comfortable but also free from serious hazards, including the presence of damp and mould.

The guidance underscores the significance of promptly addressing cases of damp and mould. Ensuring the health and well-being of our tenants should always be our top priority.

We welcome and encourage all landlords to take the time to review the government's guidance thoroughly and implement any necessary measures to ensure your rental properties meet these essential health and safety standards.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can collectively contribute to healthier and happier living environments for our tenants, while also complying with our legal obligations as landlords.

With colder weather approaching, keep an eye out for the link to our upcoming 'Mouldy Matters' video guide in November's Landlord Newsletter, showcasing tips to prevent and handle mould issues!


Quality housing for all


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