Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
The Housing Act 2004, which came into force on 6th April 2006, makes the licensing of some rented properties mandatory.

Houses in multiple occupation are those which are shared by more than one household.

More information on HMOs can be found in the Download Area.

Do I need a license?
HMOs which require to be licensed are those which:

• are three storeys or more;
• have five or more occupants;
• those occupants for more than one household;

What do I do if I need a license?
You will need to complete an application form, available from the Council Offices, complete and return to Environment Services with the required fee.

Once we have received your application, arrangements will be made with you so that an officer can inspect the property/s concerned to make sure that a licence is required and to make sure that it conforms with required standards.

If you are not sure what the required standards are, you can contact the Environmental Protection Team by telephoning 01621 854477 or filling in our online Contact the Environmental Protection Team e-form.

The team willbe able to outline what these are but it is likely that an officer will not be able to give you precise information without visiting the premises.

If there are works required to bring your property up to the required standard, this will not prevent a licence being issued but the officer will issue a schedule of works with expected timescale for you to complete the works.

The licence is valid for five years but we will need to see some documentation such as gas safety certificate, and fire alarm/emergency lighting certification (where installed) on an annual basis.

You will need to notify us of any changes which may affect your licence.

Further Responsibilities
Maldon District Council also has responsibilities in the following areas:

Housing Fitness
We respond to complaints and enquiries about housing fitness, will inspect properties in disrepair and where necessary take statutory action.

Closure and Demolition of Properties
We investigate complaints and enquiries and take the appropriate statutory action, including the demolition of properties where necessary.

Houses in Multiple Occupation / Overcrowding
We inspect properties to ensure fitness for the number of occupants and that there is adequate protection against fire. We will take statutory action as appropriate.

We can also respond to complaints, enquiries and apply the overcrowding standards and application of permitted numbers of occupants.

Securing Empty Properties
Environment Services has power under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to secure empty or temporarily vacant premises if they have been left open to unauthorised entry.

Filthy and Verminous Premises
We can investigate complaints, liase with the appropriate departments and authorities and take statutory action including the cleaning, disinfecting and remedying unsatisfactory conditions.

Further Information
If you would like to notify Environment Services at Maldon District Direct about any of the above issues please contact them on 01621 854477 or complete our online service form.