|
Latest news and updates from Safer Housing at Nottingham City Council
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.
 The new scheme of Selective Licensing is now officially underway and started on the 1 December 2023 and will run for up to five years.
In the intricate world of property management, landlords must stay abreast of the legal obligations shaping their responsibilities. At the forefront of these obligations are the Additional and Selective Licensing schemes, firmly safeguarded in statutory law by Nottingham City Council. Due to the recent announcement of Section 114, we want to put your minds at ease and help shed some light on the unchanged, legal framework of landlords' responsibilities.
Statutory Compliance:
The Additional and Selective Licensing schemes are not mere recommendations; they are statutory requirements that demand our attention. As landlords of licensable properties, the onus is on you to apply for the necessary license. Failing to do so is not just an oversight—it is a criminal offense.
Ring-Fenced Funds for Accountability:
All fees collected through license fees are 'ring-fenced.' This means that these funds are dedicated solely to the operation of the licensing schemes. Nottingham City Council is bound by this principle, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial management. The collected fees cannot be diverted for any other purpose.
Detailed Responses and Legal References:
In our commitment to transparency, we provide detailed responses to inquiries, often referencing specific sections of the Act. For instance, Section 63 (3) is a crucial reference point for addressing additional licensing concerns. This meticulous approach ensures that our interactions with the regulatory framework are not just compliant but well-informed.
Verification of Section 114 Notices:
Media narratives surrounding Section 114 notices often include terms like "bankruptcy." It's essential to clarify that a council, unlike a private entity, cannot go bankrupt in the traditional sense. While debts may accrue from commercial activities, the consequences differ significantly, and terms like bankruptcy do not accurately depict the situation.
Transparent Fee Structure:
The allocation of your license fee is guided by Section 87 (3) of the Housing Act 2004. This section allows councils to charge a license fee to cover the administrative costs of selective licensing. Importantly, the law prohibits councils from making a financial gain. The fees are structured to recover the legitimate expenses associated with running the licensing scheme.
Business as Usual:
Despite the statutory intricacies, it's business as usual for licensing in Nottingham. Landlords are still obligated to apply for a Selective or Additional license under Section 114. The 'ring-fenced' financial resources empower us to identify and address any misconceptions among landlords who might assume opting out is a viable choice.
In conclusion, our commitment to compliance remains unwavering. As landlords in Nottingham, it's not just about meeting legal requirements but also joining us in contributing to building a community where high housing standards are the norm
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.
 As the festive season approaches, here are some handy tips for landlords to share with their tenants, with a special emphasis on making sure Top Tip Number 10 is on your Christmas 'To Do' list if you haven't already!
-
Switch Off Decorations: Before leaving or heading to bed, ensure all Christmas lights and decorations are turned off to prevent electrical hazards.
-
Mindful Heating: Keep heating devices a safe distance from flammable items and turn them off when not needed.
-
Candle Caution: Use flameless candles to eliminate fire risks. If using real candles, never leave them unattended, especially overnight.
-
Secure Electricals: Avoid overloading sockets, especially behind the TV where multiple devices may be connected. Use surge protectors if needed.
-
Test Smoke Alarms: Make sure smoke alarms are working correctly. Test them regularly and replace batteries as necessary.
-
Watering the Tree: If you have a real Christmas tree, water it regularly to prevent it from becoming dry and posing a fire risk.
-
Appliance Vigilance: Before leaving for an extended period, unplug non-essential appliances to save energy and reduce the risk of electrical issues.
-
Secure Windows and Doors: If leaving for the holidays, double-check that all windows and doors are properly locked to enhance home security.
-
Communication is Key: Landlords, keep tenants informed about any holiday maintenance schedules or emergency procedures.
-
Emergency Contacts: Ensure tenants have access to emergency contact information, including local services, during the holiday season.
 Over the festive period, bin collection days may change due to Christmas, New Year’s Day and the Bank Holidays.
To check bin collection days over Christmas and New Year and to download a copy of the bin calendar for your property:
https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/binreminders
During this bustling season, where bin collection is often the last thing on our minds, taking a moment to plan ahead or mark the date is always a smart move!
Do your tenants know what can be recycled and what can not?!
We are thrilled to share some some top tips that landlords can share with their tenants way ahead of the festive season.
We all like to recycle as much as we can, but do your tenants know what can be recycled and what cannot?
- Did you know, not all wrapping paper can be recycled?
- Do the scrunch test! To find out if your paper can go in your recycling brown bin- grey lid. If it scrunches, it CAN be recycled.
- Foil / glitter wrapping paper & Christmas cards CAN'T be recycled
Did you know that after the festive period, Nottingham City Council can collect and recycle unwanted real Christmas trees for just £5?
The tree will be recycled and the chippings used in Nottingham parks and open spaces.
The Council will start recycling trees from 6 January 2024.
Please let tenants know to should book early, as slots run out quickly!
Please also remind tenants to remove all decorations and lights from your tree beforehand.
For more details please use the link below:
Recycle your real Christmas tree - Nottingham City Council
To get all the latest information, tips, advice and updates from the Safer Housing team, follow us on social media.
|
|
