What proof should i get from the tenants who claim they are sisters? I don’t want to fall foul of HMO rules.
passport and driving licence?
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A signed statement from them would probably do.
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How many sisters /are they the only people in the tenancy who will be living there? Two sisters with their partners would likely be an hmo
Ask your LA what they would accept
Birth certificates will show a common parent so is the simplest.
Driving license or passports showing same surname plus a signed statement they are sisters may suffice but if they had different surnames that wouldnt prove anything
Definitely don’t accept a verbal assurance or implication
Good luck
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if in doubt ,do not accept them. The local council will not accept you have done your best if they find out they are not related and it IS an HMO
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Thanks David and Colin for your insight on this, much appreciated.
There are 3 girls who all share same surname and are okay to provide a signed letter confirming their cousin relationship.
Is there a template format you have come across for this please?
If first they said or implied they were sisters and now they say they are cousins it seems very suspicious. it’s probably a scam they may know the HMO rules and are looking to stay a year then get a Rent repayment order so they end up staying rent free. Check with council what is acceptable (and a prev LL) but may be better to either get an HMO licence or avoid.
Good luck
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I would ask them to clarify how they are related( ie for the letter to state clearly how their parents are related to each other), as cousins is often used for 2nd cousins etc
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Thanks David once again
Thanks Karl I think I may skip them
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Two sisters and their partners would not be an HMO provided they remain their partners.
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“Two sisters and their partners would not be an HMO provided they remain their partners.”
Well I may have found some incorrect advice elsewhere …tho
“While the general Housing Act 2004 definition excludes this scenario from being an HMO, some local councils may have implemented “Additional Licensing” schemes that expand the definition of properties requiring a licence. It is always best to check with the local council’s housing department for specific requirements in that area.”
And as you can’t predict if they will remain partners there’s a risk one won’t and from that point I think it’s an hmo and they could claim the rent for up to a year via a RRO if not hmo licenced? Not sure how could mitigate as telling the landlord isn’t the first thing people consider when they split…
Best
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My understanding is that Councils can expand the definition regarding the number of residents, type of property, type of construction etc, but not the definition of a single household, which canbe found in s258 of the Housing Act 2004.
Landlords with family lets should ensure they stay vigilant and inspect frequently to maintain a reasonable excuse in the event of a relationship break-up between tenants. This will become much riskier under the RRA.
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