Additional Licensing of HMOs in Selly Oak ward

Overview

Birmingham City Council wishes to consult local residents, landlords, agents, businesses and other stakeholders over the proposal to introduce Additional Licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation under Part 2 (s56) of the Housing Act 2004 in the Selly Oak Ward, which is part of the Selly Oak District of Birmingham.

The role of additional licensing in the Ward will be to provide a stronger enforcement framework for the private rented sector, reduce demand on public services in the longer term, and ensure compliance with a reasonable standard for living accommodation and management by private landlords. 

Why your views matter

The Council operates a mandatory licensing scheme for large Houses in Multiple Occupation, but is concerned at the level of complaints and demand on services resulting from other shared housing in the Selly Oak Ward.

The key issues impacting on local residents and services are:

Rubbish and waste management, in particular at the end of college terms

Unregulated development, such as the building of extensions to increase occupancy without planning permission

“Beds in Sheds”, the use of potentially unsuitable buildings for accommodation purposes

Building and construction works impacting on the highway and neighbouring properties

Fire protection and low quality repair standards, causing problems during the tenancy

Lack of insulation and poor heating, leading to dampness and mould in the property

What happens next

The Council is required to consult relevant stakeholders in the area for a minimum period of 12 weeks. This consultation will start in June 2016 and will close when the Council considers it has given all stakeholders the opportunity to comment. At present it is intended to close on 31 October 2016 to allow the opportunity for returning students to respond.

The Council is keen to hear the views of all interested groups and intends to offer the following facilities to do this:

·         e-mail response through prs@birmingham.gov.uk

·         Public Meetings

·         Focus Group meetings

·         Social Media

The Council consider the following groups to be key stakeholders in the area and would want to hear their views:

Local residents

Students living in the private rented sector

Landlords

Letting and Managing Agents

The University of Birmingham Accommodation Service

The University of Birmingham Guild of Students

In addition the Council will consult other statutory agencies which have involvement in the area, in particular West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service.

Any comments or feedback that stakeholders wish to give can be done through Private Rented Services's mailbox : PRS@birmingham.gov.uk