HMO licence questions under caution?

HMO licence questions under caution?

10:54 AM, 13th February 2023, About 2 years ago 45

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I’ve been very foolish. During a time of family stress, I allowed a couple, at viewing, who then became a couple and a friend when we started the paperwork, to rent a lovely 2-bed flat.

I am 6 months into the 12-month tenancy. I have had letters from the HMO licensing, yes we are article 4, then planning and now I have had a 4-page email with a series of questions regarding all of my properties that I have to answer under CAUTION !!!

I have had my HMO inspection which was mainly satisfactory other than improving the smoke alarms and 2 door seals.

How far could this go? Does anyone have any similar experience? Should I seek representation? All other properties of mine are within regulation.

I am feeling aggrieved, but acknowledge my huge mistake.

I am a good landlord with a high standard of properties. I’m finding this very intrusive and onerous, and my health is suffering.

Any advice on how to deal with this?

My tenants are nice people and have indicated that they would consider surrendering the tenancy for alternative accommodation…for which I would have to help them financially of course.

Many thanks,

Sarah


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David Houghton

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14:20 PM, 16th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David at 16/02/2023 - 11:41
David

Thanks yes now she has clarified she is in an area of selective licensing. So I take your point she did need an HMO licence. Whether it's development, that's more difficult, but in any event she doesn't have to respond. In fact the council are probably breaching human rights law in some of their questions. She isn't compelled to answer.

Des Taylor & Phil Turtle, Landlord Licensing & Defence

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21:44 PM, 16th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Have a read of this to understand what “the questions” are about

https://landlordsdefence.co.uk/pace-interview-under-caution/

Whether it is in person or by Q&A you’re under criminal investigation for several crimes

Get professional help ASAP and for goodness sake do not communicate with the council until you have professional help they will destroy you. See https://www.property118.com/dont-talk-to-the-council/

DPT

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11:36 AM, 17th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David Houghton at 16/02/2023 - 11:59I don't think you understand the nature of an Article 4 directive that Sarah mentioned in her original post. This is a Council directive to suspend permitted development rights in certain circumstances. In this case its the change of use class from c3 to c4 that occurs when a property is used to house more than one household. The directive requires a full planning application from anyone wishing to do this and a failure to do so is a breach of planning legislation, which is the situation that Sarah now finds herself in.

Its also an area where there is Additional Licensing, not Selective Licensing. Detail matters. Your statement that she doesn't have to respond and that the Council are breaching her human rights by asking is innacurate.

David Houghton

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12:57 PM, 17th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Thanks David, yes there are two issues.

The selective licensing, arguably they are estopped from prosecution as they have (or are in the process of doing so) granted a licence.

This continuous breach stopped the day she applied for the licence and the 6 month clock is counting down

The second is planning. The question is does granting this tenancy constitute development within the meaning of TCPA. I'm not sure it does, but either way it's academic.

Rather than give the council more money for a planning application which they have indicated they will refuse. Not the planners but council officers all the same. She merely needs to serve s21 notice (which she can now) and should the planning enforcement officer wish to inspect meet with him. Agree it's a breach, demonstrate the remedy. 3 people will be losi g Thier home, but that's the council's bad press.

Under no circumstances should she make any admission of wrongdoing whatsoever.

Helen Smitj

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10:25 AM, 18th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Try contacting your insurance company many policies have access to free legal advice. Check your policy as you may have legal cover included/attached on your policy.

Michael Crofts

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10:26 AM, 18th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Yet another example of why the loss of s21 makes private lettings by individual landlords who have little or no legal training an unwise investment. To quote Larkin: 'Get out as quickly as you can...'

DPT

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10:40 AM, 18th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David Houghton at 17/02/2023 - 12:57
As I said, it's not a Selective Licence, but why do you imagine that having a licence now prevents the Council pursuing an historic breach? It doesnt!
I did explain at length why an Article 4 directive requires planning consent, but if you don't accept that, I suggest you google it to understand more. Sarah should take legal advice on the best course of action to deal with the Council threat of prosecution.

Sarah may be able to serve a valid s21 notice as she now has the licence, but with current court delays, eviction could easily take until the end of this year and the Council will not accept this as an excuse to avoid legal action.

TheMaluka

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12:02 PM, 18th February 2023, About 2 years ago

This is a classic case of the innocent landlord being punished for something his tenant did without his knowledge. With little or no ability to correct the situation I would suggest that the landlord should be grateful that the death penalty has been abolished.

DPT

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14:37 PM, 19th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 18/02/2023 - 12:02
The tensnt asked the landlord if the 3 of them could rent and the landlord agreed. It was a simple and arguably trivial error, but one with very serious consequences.

David Houghton

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15:24 PM, 19th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David at 19/02/2023 - 14:37
Interestingly enough it creates a loophole in the intended new legislation.

There's a licensing breach (now rectified) and a
Planning breach (as planning won't be granted) the only remedy is lawful eviction at the first opportunity (s21)

Soon s21 won't be available and the landlord can't remedy the breach until the tenant decides to leave. Thus undermining the Article 4. Guess the powers that be have not thought it through.

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