Views sought to help shape standards for shared houses and flats in Essex

Those who live in, own or let a shared house or flat in the private housing sector were encouraged to have their say on proposed standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Essex by taking part in an online consultation.

The survey ran until 19 June 2018. Responses fed into new County-wide HMO standards which are being updated in preparation for new licensing laws that will apply to HMOs from 1 October 2018.

To prepare for the change to the law, CBC worked with partner councils across Essex to improve the required standards of shared accommodation and revise amenity standards guidelines, such as room sizes and shared facilities. Local and district councils decided whether thousands of HMOs across Essex are suitable to be licensed, having regard to the new guidance on HMO amenity standards.

CBC consulted with as broad a selection of the community as possible. Tenants of HMOs, landlords, property managers and those who represent any of these groups were particularly encouraged to take part. The new guidance helped inform which HMOs under the new law are suitable to be licensed and gave everyone affected by the changes a meaningful say in how they were implemented.

The new HMO licensing laws were set to increase the number of HMOs requiring a licence and were likely to affect hundreds of properties across the borough. They introduced the need for many properties which have not previously required a licence to have one. From 1 October 2018, all homes let to five or more people who form two or more households (a household constitutes members of the same family) and who share at least one basic amenity such as a bathroom, WC or kitchen, required a licence to continue operating.

Adrian Pritchard, Chief Executive of Colchester Borough Council, said: 'We're committed to ensuring there are good quality homes within the private housing sector in Colchester by being part of the development of standards for HMOs across Essex.

"This consultation provides those with an interest in HMOs to have their say on what's needed and wanted and I would encourage them to have their say before 19 June."

ENDS 

To find out more about HMO licensing in the borough, visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/hmolicensing

For further information contact communications@colchester.gov.uk or call 07815 088150