Unlicensed Peterborough property owners who operate HMOs can now face fines of up to £30,000 under new legislation

Peterborough's Additional Licensing scheme is now in force, meaning that property owners who operate HMOs containing three or four unrelated occupants that share a toilet, bathroom, or kitchen must now apply for a licence.

Previously, only HMOs housing five or more people were required to hold a licence under national Mandatory HMO licensing.

The new scheme extends the scope of HMO licensing in Peterborough, ensuring that HMOs of all sizes are required to be well managed and safe for tenants.

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “It will become an offence for a landlord to rent an HMO in the city without applying for the appropriate licence. Landlords with unlicensed HMO properties, and those who fail to adhere to the conditions of the licence, can face a civil penalty notice of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine from the court. Landlords could also be ordered to repay up to 12 months' rent. In such circumstances, the council would then consider whether it was appropriate to revoke the licence and take over the management of the property.

Additional Licensing will cover bespoke Houses in Multiple Occupation, and also privately rented properties which are occupied by at three or four people, at least one of which is not a relative or partner of the other occupiers. In addition, freeholders will need an Additional Section 257 HMO licence where a property has been converted into self-contained flats that don’t meet 1991 Building Regulations standards and more than a third of the flats are let on shorthold tenancies.

It is estimated that the new scheme will cover around 2,000 properties in the city which were not previously required to hold a licence.

The spokesperson went on: “These conditions should lead to better managed properties, reduced anti-social behaviour (specifically untidy front gardens and dumping of rubbish) and improved living conditions for tenants.”

Councillor Christian Hogg, the Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “I welcome the launch of Additional Licensing and seeing the positive effects it will have on our communities. The scheme will enhance the work we already do with landlords in the private rented sector. We will now have a more active role in ensuring all private tenants can live in housing that is safe, of high standard, appropriately managed and offers appropriate tenancy protection.

“I would urge landlords who will be affected by Additional Licensing to apply for licences at the earliest opportunity. Our Housing Standards team and HomeSafe are always happy to answer any questions or provide guidance and support where needed.”

Additional Licensing will be in force across Peterborough until 25 January 2031. Landlords will be required to pay a fee of £1,100 for a five-year licence and comply with licence conditions to ensure HMOs are managed appropriately.

Peterborough City Council is working in partnership with Home Safe, who will support the council in delivering the new scheme, including inspections of licensed properties. Home Safe already works alongside the council on its Selective Licensing scheme. Landlords and agents will need to apply directly through Home Safe, who will manage the application process on behalf of the Council.

Mike Brook, Scheme Manager at Home Safe, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Peterborough City Council to deliver the Additional Licensing Scheme, helping ensure more HMOs meet the standards tenants deserve. Help and guidance is available for landlords and agents on the Home Safe website alongside the online application form, so anyone operating a property that requires a licence should apply now and ensure they are compliant.”

For more details on the scheme, and how to apply for a licence, visit the council’s website.