Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation - Consultations

Have your say on proposals to improve standards in privately rented shared housing in Bolton

Bolton Council is inviting residents, tenants, landlords, businesses and partner organisations to share their views on proposals to introduce a boroughwide Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

HMOs play an important role in providing accommodation for many people in Bolton, including those on lower incomes, younger adults, and people unable to access other housing options. However, evidence shows that a growing number of smaller HMOs are poorly managed or unsafe, creating risks for tenants and causing problems for local neighbourhoods.

The proposed Additional Licensing Scheme would give the council stronger powers to improve property standards, safety, and management in smaller HMOs and certain converted buildings that are not currently covered by mandatory licensing.

Your views will help inform whether the scheme should be introduced and, if so, how it should be designed and implemented.

What is being proposed?

Bolton Council is proposing to introduce a boroughwide Additional Licensing Scheme under the Housing Act 2004. If approved, the scheme would require certain HMOs to be licensed by the council.

The scheme would apply to:

• Smaller HMOs occupied by 3 or 4 people forming two or more households and sharing facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom (Section 254 HMOs); and
• Certain converted buildings containing self-contained flats where the conversion does not meet appropriate building standards and where less than two-thirds of flats are owner-occupied (Section 257 HMOs).

Licensing would allow the council to set and enforce clear conditions relating to:

• Fire, gas and electrical safety
• Property condition and maintenance
• Overcrowding and room sizes
• Waste management
• The management of anti-social behaviour
• How landlords and agents manage and communicate with tenants

The proposal would apply across the whole of Bolton, rather than being limited to specific neighbourhoods.

Why the council is consulting

Before introducing an Additional Licensing Scheme, the law requires the council to carry out a public consultation.

This consultation seeks views on:

• Whether Bolton Council should introduce an Additional Licensing Scheme
• Whether the proposed boroughwide approach is appropriate
• The types of properties that should be covered
• The proposed licence conditions and property standards
• The proposed licence fee
• Alternative options to licensing
• The potential impacts on tenants, landlords, residents, businesses and organisations, including equality impacts.

Consultation documents

Main consultation document: “Bolton Council: A Better Place to Rent – Consultation on proposals for an Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs”

This document explains:

• The evidence behind the proposals
• How HMOs are currently regulated
• What Additional Licensing is and how it would work in Bolton
• The proposed licence conditions, property standards and fees
• Alternative options considered
• The expected benefits and impacts of the scheme

Easy Read version: An Easy Read version of the consultation document is available for people who prefer information in a simpler, more visual format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Our FAQs provide clear answers to common questions about:

• What HMOs are
• How licensing works
• Who would be affected
• How the scheme could benefit tenants and communities

A short pre-recorded video is available, explaining:

• Why the council is proposing Additional Licensing
• What the scheme would cover
• How you can take part in the consultation.

There are a number of ways to have your say

Survey

Email: Consultations@bolton.gov.uk

Respond by post: You can send written responses by post to:

Housing Standards Team
Bolton Council
2nd Floor, Castle Hill Centre
Castleton Street
Bolton
BL2 2JW

Call the consultation line: Freephone: 0800 122 3918.  The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls will be returned within 2 working days.

Attend a drop-in or virtual session

In-person drop-in sessions (no appointment needed):

• Monday, 23rd March 12pm to 7pm - The Hub at Westhoughton, Central Drive, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3DS
• Monday, 9th March 12pm to 7pm - The Bridge Church, Bolton, 109 Bradford Street, Bolton, BL2 1JX
• Tuesday, 31st March, 12pm to 5.50pm - The Hub, 100 Shepherds Cross Street, Bolton BL1 3 BS

Virtual sessions (booking required):

• Wednesday, 11th March 11am to 12pm – for residents
• Thursday, 12th March 6.30pm to 7.30pm – for residents
• Wednesday, 18th March 11am to 12pm – for Landlords and managing agents
• Wednesday, 18th March 6.30pm to 7.30pm - for Landlords and managing agents
• Thursday, 19th March 6.30pm to 7.30pm - Businesses and Voluntary Sectors

To book onto any of these session either call the freephone number on 08001223918 and ask for Lynne Shaw or email to book contact lynne.shaw@arc4.co.uk