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The proposals for Additional Licensing of Private Rented Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield wards and Selective licensing scheme of all other privately rented properties in Bedminster and Brislington West wards were approved by the Cabinet and the scheme will come into force on 6 April 2022. The scheme will be in operation for five years.
Most privately rented properties (including HMOs) in Bedminster and Brislington West wards, and HMOs only in Horfield ward, will require a licence from 6 April 2022 and each property will be inspected at least once during the lifetime of the scheme to ensure that they meet licensing standards.
An HMO is a property where three or more persons who are not related, occupy the accommodation and share some facilities such as bathroom and/or kitchen.
It is a legal requirement for landlords to make a licence application for each property that they let in the area that needs a licence. Failure to do so could result in enforcement action and prosecution. A fee is charged for each licence, payable in two stages, the first on application, the second part before the licence is issued.
Landlords with properties with Mandatory Licences do not need to make a further application under this scheme.
Further details on how to make a licence application will be sent in due course and will be included on our website https://www.bristol.gov.uk/licences-permits/property-licences where you can also find out more information about property licensing.
The Property Licensing scheme was approved by the Mayor at the council’s Cabinet meeting. All comments, observations or queries concerning this decision should be directed to your elected representative (ward councillor) and not through the council’s complaint procedure.
Information from Bristol City Council
