Licensing requires mortgage account numbers?

Licensing requires mortgage account numbers?

13:18 PM, 30th October 2018, About 6 years ago 19

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I would just like to gauge some thoughts please on property licensing for buy to let landlords. The council where the majority of my rental properties are have introduced licensing for landlords.

Now in theory I am not against this, as I have seen some of the states of the properties that get let out, as an ex EPC provider, I have been in some truly shocking properties that shouldn’t be let to a dog.

And if licensing improves standards then I am for this, however for my council which is Sefton in Merseyside, as part of the licensing you have to provide the details of your mortgage lender and account number.

I can’t see any reason why the local council needs my mortgage account number at all.

I have no problem complying to property standards, but why should I supply my account details to the local council.

I spoke to my accountant regarding this, and she was in agreement with regard to why would the local council need my mortgage details to provide a licence, it doesn’t make sense, and could be part of a wider link up with HMRC for tax purposes.

Has anyone came across this before with regard to supplying mortgage account details for licensing.

Would love to know your thoughts.

Cheers

John


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16:05 PM, 30th October 2018, About 6 years ago

Have had licensing in Scotland for 15 years. Never had once the need to provide this detail. And what happens if you change lender ?

Rob Crawford

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16:11 PM, 30th October 2018, About 6 years ago

It actually a legal requirement for mortgage details to be provided but I'm it at home at present so if not provide by someone else, I'll send references later.

Larry Sweeney

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16:42 PM, 30th October 2018, About 6 years ago

John ,I will digress slightly. Sefton also ask for details of other properties you have licensed elsewhere. Even if you have none, this question should not be asked as Sefton cannot comply with GDPR by keeping the info current and up to date. You may truthfully divulge this with your application then 2 weeks later dispose of these and aquire others outside the borough. There is no law nor is it in licensing conditions that you must appraise the council every time you aquire or dispose of a property. I have put this question to Sefton as I want no part of a scheme which breaches GDPR especially where my data is involved. This question needs to be put by you also to Sefton.
Finally have you pledged to join us ?. We can take the fight to them with the numbers.
Info@landlordsalliance.co.uk

John Parfett

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23:07 PM, 30th October 2018, About 6 years ago

I’ve just used an experienced agent to apply for two HMO licences for me. I asked the same question & was told that it was because the Council “may” want to write to the mortgage company to ensure that the loan doesn’t break their terms & conditions. A few properties may have been converted to HMO after the initial purchase which could be against the Ts & Cs of the original mortgage.

john lloyd

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9:21 AM, 31st October 2018, About 6 years ago

Thanks guys for your help.

For the record my properties are not HMO's but single lets, for which licencing is being introduced.

john lloyd

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9:26 AM, 31st October 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Larry Sweeney at 30/10/2018 - 16:42
Hi Larry

Thanks for taking the time to reply, did you get an answer from Sefton Council regarding GDPR concerns.

How do I go about joining the alliance please.

Thanks

John

paul robinson

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7:55 AM, 1st November 2018, About 6 years ago

Best to put N/A in that or any similar boxes. I’m sure it’s not enforceable as there will be plenty of rentals that are not mortgaged and the LA have no need for th financial situation of rentals.

H B

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8:04 AM, 1st November 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Larry Sweeney at 30/10/2018 - 16:42
'I want no part of a scheme which breaches GDPR especially where my data is involved.'

There seems to be an obvious way around this - inform them if you change mortgage providers. Just as you would probably tell your bank or doctor if you changed your telephone number or address. Most information stored by data controllers cannot be verified by them.

While there is a lot not to like about being forced to divulge this information, it is not about keeping it up to date, it is about whether it should be kept at all.

MasterG

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10:07 AM, 1st November 2018, About 6 years ago

Seems like an obvious question. Have you asked Sefton Council why they are asking for this information? landlord.licensing@sefton.gov.uk

Martin Thomas

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11:15 AM, 1st November 2018, About 6 years ago

Bath & NE Somerset (BANES) council asked for this info 5 years ago when they introduced an additional licensing scheme. The reason was so they could write to the mortgage provider informing them that the property was becoming a licensed HMO. As I recall, a condition of the license was that the landlord had to write to all interested parties (including my wife!) and that included the mortgage company.

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