What is changing
The table below details the main changes that have been proposed.
| Existing policy | Proposed policy change | Reason for change |
|---|---|---|
| Informal working with landlords in first instance unless imminent risk or landlord has history of non-compliance. | Removal of informal stage service of statutory notice. Some statutory notices, for example, the Housing Act 2004, has a chargeable fee. | Protection for tenants against being served notice by landlord. This is protection for 6 months when we serve statutory notice - Deregulation Act 2015 introduced. |
| Prosecution and works in default for consideration as action where non-compliance of a statutory notice. | Introduction of civil penalty charges as a further option – charges agreed within Yorkshire and Humber area. Rent repayment orders – recovery of rent from landlord. Landlord database and Banning Orders. |
Ability to make civil penalty charges and rent repayment orders introduced by the Housing and Planning Act 2016. This is as well as Landlord database and Banning Orders. |
| Mandatory HMO licensing – 5 or more persons sharing facilities, 3 storey properties only. | Mandatory HMO licensing – 5 or more persons sharing facilities, to remove requirement for property to be 3 storeys. Setting of bedroom sizes. Licence fees to be reviewed. |
Government announcement December 2017 – changes effective 2018. |
| Our Private Housing Environmental Health service does not currently charge for all services it provides to landlords e.g. copy of plans or other documentation. | Fees and charges policy to be introduced. | Clear guidelines as to what services will have a fee or charge from April 2018. |
| Accreditation and Self-regulation scheme. | Discontinue current self regulation scheme. Review and launch of Hull Accredited Landlords. |
Scheme – introduction of annual fee to landlords. Review of schemes – changes in 2018-19. |