Modifications to Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 (licensing of houses in multiple occupation)5
In section 65 (tests as to suitability for multiple occupation)—
a
for subsection (1) substitute—
1
The local housing authority cannot be satisfied that the house is reasonably suitable for occupation as a section 257 HMO if they consider that—
a
the common parts of the HMO; or
b
any flat within the HMO other than a flat let on a long lease,
fail to meet prescribed standards.
b
after subsection (1) add—
1A
Where a house becomes a section 257 HMO as a result of conversion works carried out on the house after 1st October 2007, any flat within the HMO in respect of which a long lease is granted after that date shall be treated for the purpose of subsection (1) as though no such lease has been granted unless—
a
the local housing authority are satisfied that the appropriate building standards have been met in relation to that flat; or
b
the local housing authority are satisfied that the lease has been granted by a person other than the freeholder or head lessor of the whole of the HMO.
c
omit subsection (2);
d
in paragraph (a) of subsection (4) omit “number,”; and
e
after subsection (4) add—
5
In this section “long lease” has the same meaning as in section 61(9).