An HMO is a building or part of a building occupied as a main residence by more than one household. In summary, this means that properties occupied by individuals who are unrelated to one another and who share facilities, by definition, are houses in multiple occupation, including properties occupied by students.

HMOs are present across the whole of the city, with concentrations in key wards.  The density of housing and the level of occupation of HMOs can mean that if they are not effectively maintained and managed, they can be detrimental to both the occupiers and to the neighbourhood.

The Housing Act 2004 provides legal powers to the Local Authority, to address some housing and management conditions, including the mandatory licensing of certain types of HMOs of a prescribed description.  Under licensing, certain sets of standards and management arrangements are required to be met.  In Nottingham City fewer than 30% of HMOs are licensable under the mandatory scheme.  The overall effect is that there is a limited ability to control the non licensable HMOs and the impact they have on neighbourhoods and on their occupants.

Although evidence held shows that the approach to mandatory licensing has had a positive impact within neighbourhoods across the city, there are still a significant number of sub standard and poorly managed non licensed HMOs.

The Housing Act allows for licensing powers to be extended to HMOs, which are currently excluded from the mandatory licensing scheme.  As there are still identified problems with HMOs in Nottingham, it is proposed that application is made to the Government (Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG)) for additional licensing powers.  The benefit of additional licensing powers is greater control of HMOs in relation to the management and condition of the property.

In summary:

1. Who: Nottingham City Council Environmental Health invites all stakeholders and members of the public to take part in the consultation process to let us know your views.
2. What: Should the Government grant the power of Additional Licensing to Nottingham City Council in order to extend the Licensing Scheme to include other HMOs, which are currently not licensable under the Mandatory Scheme?
3. When: The consultation is to begin on Monday 23rd November  and will continue until noon on Friday 11th December 2009.
4. Where: Nottingham City Council intends to seek Additional Licensing in the area of the Arboretum ward.
5. Why: To address and remedy the problems of poor housing conditions, occupier safety, maintenance and the management of a wider range of HMOs.
6. How: Questionnaires will be available from: 

• Libraries
• Dr's Surgerys
• Community Centres
• Community Groups
• Neighbourhood Teams
• Universities
• Student Unions
• Unipol
• Through letterboxes in the nominated area
• Mail shots to owners and agents
• Websites - including Nottingham City Council, GNELF (Greater Nottingham Electronic Landlords Forum), East Midlands DASH and our internal website.

A map for the designated area is available to download.   Please click here to download the designated areas map [2Mb].

Hard copies can be posted to us at:

Nottingham City Council, Environmental Health, Lawrence House, Talbot Street, Nottingham.  NG1 5NT                                                                                        

Or you can e-mail them to hmo@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

 Please click here to download the questionnaire for businesses in Pdf format [3Mb].

 Please click here to download the questionnaire for businesses in Word format [3Mb].

 Please click here to download the residents' questionnaire in Pdf format [3Mb].

 Please click here to download the residents' questionnaire in Word format [3Mb].

Following several comments received, we have decided to extend the consultation period to a total of 28 days.  Therefore, please ensure that your completed questionnaire reaches us no later than 12 noon on Monday 21st December 2009, and thank you for taking the time to assist Nottingham City Council with this consultation.