Selective Licence - proof of relationship & room size requirements

Landlord Discussion New Laws & Regulation Changes
1

Hi all,

I own a 3-bedroom house in Newham that requires a selective license.

I’ve received inquiries from couples wanting to rent the house with their sibling. I understand this is permitted, but I’m unsure what proof of relationship I can ask and what specific proof the council requests for this?

I’ve also had an inquiry from two couples, where the husbands are related. They don’t have children. Would it I be allowed to rent the property to them, given that two of the rooms are under 12 sqm?

Here are the room sizes:

  • Room 1: 13 sqm
  • Room 2: 8 sqm
  • Room 3: 7 sqm

There is also an open plan living room of 23sqm, but no space for a dining table in the kitchen.

Does this help with the permitted number of tenants or is a couple just not allowed to sleep in a room which has 8sqm, no matter how much unoccupied space is elsewhere in the house.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

2

rooms 2 and 3 are just about ok as a bedroom. as long as you can get a bed in , wardrobe and bedside table and still walk around it

3

If there is a relationship of blood or marriage it’s not an HMO
Eg two couples where husbands are related
Or couple and a sibling

Written statement from the tenants is what you should ask for and keep a written documented record ( I asked David smith that the other week at a course )

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4

For an HMO its an Additional Licence. For non-HMOs its a Selective Licence. Make sure you get the right one.

The minimum room size for a couple is 10.22 sqm. This is an absolute requirement in HMOs, but there often is a little more latitude in family lets.

A signed note from each tenant stating their relationship to the other tenants should cover you.

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5

It goes to show what hoops LLs go through with the regulations. I’m just about to let my property to a couple with two children and thought I ask Luton council just in case I’ve missed any new regulations. No clear response from them. I remain hopeful that having searched google, that i do not require any form of licencing. You never know when they will start rolling out different forms of licencing to different boroughs. Big money for them.

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6

From what I can see with a quick google search, youd need a licence if the properyy is in the town centre or Park Town wards.

7

That’s what I found out as well David122. I’ll content with that, ‘two head are better than one.’