Understanding HMO Licensing and HMO Planning Requirements

from Property Magic Podcast · host Simon Zutshi

Simon delves into the crucial distinctions between HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licensing and planning conditions, emphasising their separate roles in property investment. Simon highlights the importance of creating high-end co-living spaces to attract better tenants and maximise income. He explains the licensing requirements for HMOs, including the number of unrelated occupants and room size regulations, while also addressing safety standards that must be met. Additionally, Simon discusses the complexities of planning permissions, particularly in areas with Article 4 directions, and offers insights on how to navigate these challenges effectively. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's crucial to differentiate between HMO licensing and planning conditions, as they are separate aspects of managing HMO properties. Licensing pertains to the number of unrelated tenants, while planning relates to the classification of the property. Generally, a property needs a license if it houses five or more unrelated individuals, but some councils may require a license for three or more. Always check local council regulations for specific requirements. Minimum room sizes for licensed HMOs vary by council. The national guideline for single rooms is 6.51 square meters, but some councils may require larger sizes. It's essential to verify these requirements to avoid issues when applying for a license. In areas with an Article 4 direction, converting a C3 residential property to a C4 HMO requires planning permission. However, if the concentration of HMOs is below a certain threshold (e.g., 20%), it may still be possible to obtain permission. BEST MOMENTS "If you're going to do HMOs, it's very important to make sure you do high-level, co-living HMOs." "A lot of councils interpret the HMO licensing rules in their own way... some councils take the strict definition of an HMO." "If you have an en suite where the room has its own private shower, toilet and hand basin, the space for the en suite does not count towards the floor space of the room." "In many areas, there is an oversupply of the very average HMOs I talked about earlier on." VALUABLE RESOURCES To learn more about how you can add profitable HMOs to your portfolio, register here to join online training with Simon https://property.isrefer.com/go/3-5PF/Podcast/ To find your local pin meeting visit: www.PinMeeting.co.uk and use voucher code PODCAST to attend you first meeting as Simon's guest (instead of paying the normal £20). Contact and follow Simon here: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialSimonZutshi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonzutshi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SimonZutshiOfficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonzutshi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonzutshi/ Simon Zutshi, experienced investor, successful entrepreneur and best-selling author, is widely recognised as one of the top wealth creation strategists in the UK. Having started to invest in property in 1995 and went on to become financially independent by the age of 32. Passionate about sharing his experience, Simon founded the property investor’s network (pin) in 2003 www.pinmeeting.co.uk pin has since grown to become the largest property networking organisation in the UK, with monthly meetings in 50 cities, designed specifically to provide a supportive, educational and inspirational environment for people like you to network with and learn from other successful investors. Since 2003, Simon has taught thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners how to successfully invest in a tax-efficient way. How to create additional streams of income, give them more time to do the things they want to do and build their long-term wealth. Simon’s book “Property Magic” which is now in its sixth edition, became an instant hit when first released in 2008 and remains an Amazon No 1 best-selling property book. Simon launched his latest business, www.CrowdProperty.com, in 2014, which is an FCA Regulated peer to peer lending platform to facilitate loans between private individuals and property professionals.

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