Warwick Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Warwick? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Warwick 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 Warwick?
Mandatory licensing in Warwick
Mandatory licensing is required in Warwick 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 Warwick?
Additional licensing requires that all HMO properties with three or more people from more than one household obtain a licence in a given area.
Warwick council operates one additional licensing scheme which covers all wards in the region and is applicable to all HMOs shared by three or more people who are not all related and share facilities. This scheme runs from 18/01/2024 until 17/01/2029.
Do I need a selective licence in Warwick?
Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in a given area must obtain a licence, regardless of the number of households or occupants
Warwick council does not currently operate any selective licensing scheme
How do I apply for a licence?
Warwick Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Warwick. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a licence cost?
For 3-5 occupants (additional/mandatory scheme): £964
For 6-12 occupants (mandatory scheme): £1116
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 31st July 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Warwick?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Warwick 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 Warwick council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Warwick Council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes.
Why has additional licensing in Warwick been introduced?
Warwick Council is introducing additional HMO licensing to address significant disparities between licensed and unlicensed HMOs in terms of complaints and environmental issues. Licensed HMOs generate a higher proportion of noise complaints (25%) and environmental activity (61%) compared to non-licensed ones. Similarly, housing condition complaints and waste issues are more prevalent in licensed HMOs, indicating substantial management problems. Despite increased powers for enforcement, prosecutions remain rare, and the current system’s effectiveness is questioned. Therefore, the council aims to implement additional licensing to improve housing standards and tenant safety, ensuring more consistent and robust property management across the district
What are the licence conditions for operating HMOs in Warwick?
Warwick Council’s HMO licensing conditions aim to ensure high standards of safety and management for rented properties. Licence holders must promptly inform the council of any significant changes, including property ownership or address updates, and must report any fire incidents within 24 hours. They must provide up-to-date certifications for gas, electrical, and fire safety installations. The council requires comprehensive information on property occupants and demands a fit-and-proper person assessment for licence holders and managers. Specific requirements include adequate toilet and bathroom facilities based on occupancy, proper kitchen amenities, effective heating, lighting, ventilation, and fire safety measures. Additionally, the policy mandates regular property inspections, proper waste disposal arrangements, and measures to prevent overcrowding and anti-social behaviour. These conditions aim to protect tenants’ health and safety, ensure property maintenance, and promote responsible management practices.
What works will I have to undertake to bring my HMO to standard?
To bring your HMO up to standard in Warwick, ensure it is in good repair and free from serious hazards. For most 3 and 4 person HMOs, a single bathroom with WC and a single kitchen is sufficient. Fire precautions depend on the type of letting: shared houses and flats (1-2 storeys) need solid doors and mains-linked smoke and heat detectors in key areas, while bedsits with separate contracts require 30-minute fire doors and detectors in each bedroom and communal area. Properties with cellars need 30-minute fire resistance for the ceiling and door with linked smoke detection. Bedroom and escape route doors must not have key-operated locks. Each HMO should have a 6-litre fire extinguisher in the hall/landing and a fire blanket in the kitchen. If a bedroom exit is through a risk room, an alternative escape route may be needed. Emergency lighting is generally unnecessary for small HMOs with straightforward escape routes. Follow LACORS Housing Fire Safety guidelines and consult relevant guides on standards and anti-social behaviour responsibilities. Check with Planning and Building Control for necessary permissions before starting any work.
About Warwick
Warwick is a district in central Warwickshire, England, located on the southern edge of the West Midlands, just south of Coventry. The district includes the towns of Warwick, Kenilworth, and Royal Leamington Spa, the latter serving as the administrative centre. Warwick and Kenilworth both originated around castles, while Leamington Spa remains a popular spa town. The area covers 109 square miles and had a population of 137,648 in 2011. Notable sites include Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, and various historic buildings. The district blends historic charm with light industries, reflecting its proximity to major West Midlands cities.
