Property Licensing Guide for Worcester
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.
Worcester Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Worcester? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Worcester 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 Worcester?
Mandatory licensing in Worcester
Mandatory licensing is required in Worcester 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 Worcester?
Additional licensing schemes require that smaller HMO’s with three or more people forming more than one household must obtain a licence.
Worcester council operates two additional licensing schemes, which together cover the entire region:
Worcester additional scheme one: From 1st September 2020 until 31st August 2025, covering the wards of Arboretum, Bedwardine, Cathedral, St Clement, and St John
Worcester additional scheme two: From 1st September 2023 until 31st August 2028, covering all remaining wards in the region
Do I need a selective licence in Worcester?
Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in a given area obtain a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households. Worcester council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
How do I apply for a licence?
Worcester Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Worcester. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a licence cost?
Mandatory fee: £1,535 with increasing fees per occupants over five. Full fees can be found on Worcester’s fee page
Additional fee: £1,119
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 Worcester?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Worcester 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 Worcester council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Worcester Council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes.
Why did Worcester Council expand their additional licensing scheme?
Worcester Council expanded its additional licensing scheme to cover all city wards in response to concerns about the management and safety of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This decision followed a public consultation and a review of existing licensing measures, which revealed that 49% of HMOs improved under the current scheme. Expanding the scheme aims to ensure consistent property standards across the city, addressing issues such as inadequate fire safety, poor internal repair, and ineffective management, which can lead to health and safety risks for occupants and impact the surrounding community. The Council recognized that a broader scheme would help tackle these problems more effectively and align with their overall housing strategy
What are the HMO standards to obtain a licence in Worcester?
In Worcester, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must comply with specific standards set by the Worcester City Council to ensure tenant safety and property quality. The standards cover various aspects such as space, amenities, and safety. Bedrooms must meet minimum size requirements, with different standards depending on whether they have separate communal living spaces. Kitchens must be adequately equipped and positioned for safety and efficiency, with specific standards based on the number of occupants. Fire safety is a crucial aspect, requiring integrated fire detection systems, fire doors, and adequate means of escape. The properties must also provide personal washing facilities with sufficient privacy and sanitation standards. Additionally, properties must have proper heating, lighting, and ventilation, with tenants able to control heating in their rooms
What are the landlord responsibilities for licensing in Worcester?
In Worcester, landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have specific responsibilities under various regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of tenants. They must comply with the prescribed standards under the Housing Act 2004, which dictate the suitability of HMOs for a certain number of occupants. Landlords must display their contact details prominently within the property and ensure all firefighting equipment and fire alarms are maintained in good working order. The fire escape must remain unobstructed and well-maintained. Landlords are required to protect tenants from injury by providing mains-wired smoke detectors, self-closing fire doors, and a suitable fire escape route, and ensuring that the building’s design and structure are safe. Additionally, landlords must maintain water supply and drainage systems, and gas and electricity supplies, with annual Gas Safe certificates. Common areas and fixtures must be kept in good repair, including items like bannisters, windows, and gardens. Furthermore, all rented properties, including HMOs, must have a valid electrical safety certificate every five years and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of grade E or above at the tenancy’s start.
About Worcester
Worcester is the historic county town of Worcestershire in west-central England, situated mainly on the east bank of the River Severn. It has a long history, with habitation dating back to before 680 CE and possible earlier Roman occupation. In the Middle Ages, Worcester became an important wool town and developed a reputation for glove making. The city is also known for its porcelain industry, founded by John Wall in 1751, and for Worcestershire sauce, created by Lea & Perrins in 1838. Worcester played a pivotal role in the English Civil Wars, especially during the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Its cathedral, started in 1084, features notable monuments, including the tombs of King John and Prince Arthur. Worcester is also home to historic schools like the King’s School, founded in 1541, and the Royal Grammar School, chartered in 1561. The city covers 13 square miles and had a population of 98,768 in 2011.
