Oxford suffers an acute shortage of housing with family dwellings frequently being converted into shared rented properties. This shortage of housing has over time, led to an increase in shared rented properties as a cheaper way for people to both live and work in Oxford. High concentrations of HMOs can lead to an erosion of the character of areas, and as such planning controls have been introduce in Oxford in order to manage their growth and more recently the Additional Licensing Scheme have also been introduced in Oxford.
When does the scheme start and how long does it last?
On 10 March 2021, the Cabinet made a decision to approve a new designation for Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation. This designation comes into force on 10th June 2021 and will last for five years.
What properties fall under the scheme?
HMOs with 3 or 4 tenants or HMOs that are classed as section 257 HMOs fall under this scheme.
HMOs with five or more tenants (unless they are section 257 HMOs) fall under the mandatory (England-wide) HMO licence scheme.
When do I need to apply?
If you have an HMO licence that expires on or after 10 June 2021, then you need to make a renewal application as in previous years. We will write to you to remind you to renew about two months before your licence expires.
Landlords will need to make a new application by 10 June 2021 if:
The property had an HMO licence that expires between 24 January 2021 and 9 June 2021; or
The property had an HMO licence that expired before 24 January 2021 and an application for a licence was not made at this time.
If you are an HMO Landlord in Oxford and want to find out how this scheme affects you, call us on 0207 858 4451 for a free 15 minute assessment call or email us at: info@reenanderson.com