We wish to make you aware of the current public consultation that has just started regarding additional licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in B&NES.
The Council is considering extending its current licensing scheme to require all shared HMOs to be licensed around the Wards of Oldfield, Westmoreland and Widcombe as well as small parts of adjoining wards including Bathwick, Twerton, Lyncombe and Southdown.
Additional licensing would allow the Council to ensure that HMOs meet minimum standards to protect the occupants in terms of health, safety and welfare. It would also help improve management of these properties which is beneficial not only for the occupants of HMOs but also for the wider community and, provide consistent standards for landlords.
The consultation seeks your views on whether additional licensing should proceed and if so, what should be included and how it could work. The consultation will run until the 30thNovember 2012 and we welcome your views and comments.
