Property Licensing Guide for Charnwood
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Charnwood Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Charnwood? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Charnwood and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Charnwood?
Mandatory licensing in Charnwood
Mandatory licensing is required in Charnwood if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Charnwood?
Additional licensing requires that all HMO’s in a given area with three or more people from more than one household must obtain a licence.
Charnwood Borough Council operates one additional licensing scheme covering the entire region. The scheme runs from 1st April 2023 until the 31st March 2028.
Do I need a selective licence in Charnwood?
Selective licensing expands the scope of licensing to all privately rented properties in a given area, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed.
Charnwood Borough Council currently operates one selective licensing scheme, running from 1st April 2023 until 31st March 2028. The scheme covers the wards of Loughborough East, Loughborough Southfields, Loughborough Storer, and The Wolds.
How do I apply for a licence?
Charnwood Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Charnwood. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
£700 for all schemes, with an additional £10 per bedroom over six
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of August 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Charnwood?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Charnwood Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Charnwood Borough council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Haringey Council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes
Why has additional licensing in Charnwood been introduced?
The Additional Licensing Scheme was introduced in Charnwood primarily to address significant issues related to the management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that were not adequately covered under the Mandatory Licensing Scheme. The need for this scheme was underscored by findings that 92% of non-licensable HMOs failed to meet DASH standards, and 11% did not meet the Decent Homes Standard. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between areas with a high concentration of HMOs and increased instances of anti-social behaviour, with some areas reporting over 40% of HMOs. These issues highlighted the inefficiency in the management of many HMOs, prompting the council to propose a borough-wide Additional Licensing Scheme to ensure better regulation and improved living condition
Why has selective licensing in Charnwood been introduced?
The Selective Licensing Scheme was introduced in Charnwood in response to significant issues within the private rented sector. The areas in the scheme were identified as having a high proportion of private rented properties,exceeding the national average, with 19.4% and 28.8% of households in these wards being privately rented. The scheme aimed to tackle poor housing conditions, high levels of antisocial behaviour, and other challenges, such as a higher-than-average crime rate in Charnwood (73.48 per 1,000 population), which was the highest among Leicestershire’s districts and boroughs. The initiative was part of a broader strategy to improve property management standards and enhance the quality of life in these communities
What are the minimum room size standards to obtain a licence in Charnwood?
In Charnwood, the minimum room sizes for shared houses are specified based on the number of occupants and the type of room. For a one-person bedroom, the minimum size is 6.51 square metres, while for two persons, it’s 10 square metres. Kitchens used by 1-5 persons should be at least 7 square metres, with additional space required for more occupants. Living rooms and dining rooms should be 11.5 square metres for 1-5 persons. These standards aim to ensure adequate living conditions in HMOs.
For detailed information, you can visit Charnwood Borough Council’s HMO space standards page.
About Charnwood
Charnwood is a borough in Leicestershire, England, largely within the historic county of Leicestershire, except for a small part near Wymeswold, which lies in Nottinghamshire. The borough is named after Charnwood Forest, an ancient forest in the Midlands. The area includes hills with some of Britain’s oldest rocks, including Bardon Hill, which rises to 912 feet. Loughborough, an industrial town with a modern university, serves as the administrative centre. The borough covers 108 square miles and had a population of 166,100 in 2011.