Confused about categorisation and regulation of property revisions? Seek legal advice...

Landlords are being warned about changes to the categorisation and regulation of rental properties.

Under the forthcoming revisions, planning permission will be required in many local authorities if a property is being changed from a dwelling to house in municipal occupation (HMO).

Ian Potter, operations manager at the Association of Residential Letting Agents, stated: "It is ... important for any landlord considering changing the use of a property to fully research the regulations in their area.

"For landlords with portfolios spanning more than one ... area, this may mean different rules apply for each property."

Landlords currently need a HMO license if they let or plan to let to at least three tenants who form more than one household and who share (or who will share) toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities.

HMO licenses are mandatory in the whole of the UK if a dwelling has three or more storeys and has five or more tenants forming more than one household.

Published by Jessica Shervin