Private tenants protected from unlicensed landlords

City of York Council has used its powers to protect tenants in four properties in York, where landlords were not complying with housing licensing legislations.

The vast majority of York’s private landlords ensure their homes meet the required legal standards and most homes which require a house of multiple occupation (HMOs) license have one. Such licensing helps ensure that homes are safe and well-maintained, and give tenants the required space, facilities and quality of accommodation.

Following two consultations in 2022, the council implemented an additional licensing regime in April 2023. This is for smaller HMOs in areas of the city with the highest number of HMOs and helps to create a level playing field for the sector.

The small minority of landlords who delayed getting the necessary licenses, were given advice and support to apply for them. As a last resort, the Council issued Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs) to protect the affected tenants where four landlords failed to apply for the required HMO licence and were not complying with standards including fire safety requirements.

This action has been successful in upholding standards and ensuring tenants’ rights are protected. The fines received will support the council to continue to uphold standards to ensure residents have access to safe and healthy homes.

Pauline Stuchfield, Director of Housing and Communities at City of York Council, said: “The overwhelming majority of York’s landlords act well and responsibly, and we want to continue positive relationships between them and their tenants.

“Our responsibilities includes giving landlords good quality advice and information which, in turn, secures the necessary standards for their tenants. Where supportive measures to achieve compliance have failed, we have successfully used CPNs in line with the Council’s Enforcement Policy. We pride ourselves on fair and effective regulation which protects the public.

“Any HMO landlord still needing the necessary license, should visit www.york.gov.uk/HMOLicensing or email housing.standards@york.gov.uk.”

For more information for HMO landlords and tenants and how to apply for an HMO licence, please click here.