Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996

28 HMO grants: approval of application

(1) The local housing authority may approve an application for an HMO grant if they think fit, subject to the following provisions.

(2) The authority shall not approve an application for an HMO grant unless they are satisfied that the works are necessary for one or more of the purposes set out in section 27(1) or (2).

(3) Where an authority entertain an application for an HMO grant made by a person who proposes to acquire a qualifying owner’s interest, they shall not approve the application until they are satisfied that he has done so.

(4) An authority proposing to approve an application for an HMO grant shall consider whether the house to which the application relates is fit for human habitation and meets the requirements in section 352(1A) of the [1985 c. 68.] Housing Act 1985.

(5) If it appears to the authority that the house is not fit for human habitation or does not meet those requirements, they shall not approve the application unless they are satisfied—

(a) that on completion of the relevant works, together with any other works proposed to be carried out, the house will be fit for human habitation and meet those requirements,

(b) that there are satisfactory financial and other arrangements for carrying out those works, and

(c) that the carrying out of the works is the most satisfactory course of action.

(6) In considering whether to approve an application for an HMO grant the local housing authority shall have regard to the expected life of the house (taking account, where appropriate, of the effect of carrying out the works).