The Government have introduced the mandatory licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) of three or more storeys, housing five or more persons who form two or more households. Landlords of licensable HMOs must be identified as being “fit and proper” persons.
Local housing authorities must have regard to any previous convictions relating to violence, sexual offences, drugs, fraud, housing and landlord and tenant offences, before licences can be issued. Landlords may also seek possession of a property if a tenant is in beach of their tenancy agreement, or has been guilty of unlawful conduct.