LYNN DENHAM, the Joint Leader of Worcester County Council has welcomed ‘a new start for tenants’ ahead of improvements to houses of multiple occupancy (HMO) licensing coming into action on September 6.
Spearheaded by the Labour group of city councillors, stronger HMO licensing standards now will help ensure that tenants are provided with the fundamental basic standards of accommodation, including safe gas and electrical appliances, fire safety precautions, suitable room sizes, and adequate provision of kitchens and bathrooms for the number of occupants.
Additional licensing also requires that the HMO is maintained so that it does not have a negative impact on the local neighbourhood, and that the landlord takes reasonable steps to deal with any anti-social behaviour by the occupants.
With the licensing changes enforced from September 6, 2023, Councillor Denham said: “This is a textbook example of the difference Labour makes when in government.
“Under Conservative majority control, these protections were withheld from many city residents by Conservative councillors.
“Now that Labour is in the driving seat at the Guildhall, we are delivering change that will directly improve the lives of HMO tenants, but of residents across the city.
“Thanks to these changes, tenants in HMOs everywhere Worcester will now benefit from stronger protections.
“Everyone deserves a safe, warm and secure place to live, and Worcester Labour are extremely proud to be helping to bring this about.”
