Additional S257 HMO Licensing
Property compliance can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to the complexities of classifications like s257 House in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Yuno offers expert guidance and solutions tailored to streamline the entire process, ensuring your property meets all necessary legal requirements.
What is an s257 HMO?
An s257 HMO refers to a property that has been converted into self-contained flats that do not comply with building regulation standards in force at the time of said conversion, and where less than two-thirds of the flats are owner-occupied.Â
This kind of classification is explained in the Housing Act 2004, but it is vital to note that s257 HMOs are rarely discussed and can be confused with ‘standard’ 254 HMOs. The difference is that standard 254 HMOs usually involve shared essential facilities between occupants, while s257 HMOs are made up of separate flats located within a single building that doesn’t meet building regulation standards.
This is the Freeholders’ responsibility to comply.
Do You Need an s257 HMO License?
The licensing of S257 HMOs is under Additional licensing and requirements differ based on the local council. Some councils include s257 HMOs within their Additional licensing schemes, in some cases there are other specific rules, like changing to if less than 50% of the flats are owner-occupied. With this in mind, it is vital to consult your local council’s guidelines to determine if your property requires an s257 HMO licence.
s257 HMO Licensing Requirements
To obtain a licence for your s257 HMO, Freeholders need to adhere to a variety of key requirements:
Fire Safety Regulations
 Ensure the installation and maintenance of appropriate fire safety measures, compartmentation, including smoke & heat alarms and clear escape routes.​ New regulations and changes around the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), Fire Safety Act 2021, and the Building Safety Act 2022 should be followed.
Gas and Electrical Compliance
Conduct regular gas safety checks and maintain valid certificates; provide electrical safety certificates upon request.​
Management and Maintenance Obligations
Maintain the property to a standard that ensures occupants’ safety and comfort, promptly addressing any issues that arise.​
Compliance with these regulations is mandatory to secure and retain an s257 HMO licence.​
Property Licensing How to Apply for an s257 HMO License
The application process for an s257 HMO license usually requires:
1. Can you let the property as a 257 HMO?
Discuss with fellow freeholders.
Prepare necessary documents, including property floor plans and valid safety certificates. Some certifications may not be familiar to you and can be quite complex; it is common for councils to request Fire Safety Risk Assessments (FSRA) and Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) Certification. Yuno can support with simple and complex compliance certifications.​
Fees vary by council and can range from a few hundred to thousands of pounds. Some councils may offer discounts for accredited landlords.​
Submit the application to your local council, along with the required fees.​
5. Notify all Relevant Parties
As per the Housing Act 2004, lenders, property managers, building managers, freeholders, and anyone with an interest in the property is to be notified legally by the applicant.
 The duration for approval can differ, but councils aim to process applications within a specified timeframe, often several weeks but has seen to be years
The council will inspect the property to ensure it meets all standards, at least once in the 5-year licensing term.​ Sometimes an inspection is required before issuing a licence.
8. Common Reasons for Rejection
 Incomplete or incorrect applications, failure to meet property standards, not being Fit and Proper, or a history of non-compliance can lead to rejection.​ Not doing things correctly can add additional costs and risks to the whole process.
The council will issue a draft licence 21 days before the full licence, this is your time to review.
Upon receiving the draft licence, a thorough review should be conducted to ensure you understand what you are agreeing to comply with. It is advisable to seek expert advice to determine if the upgrades are reasonable, as you may save a significant amount of money. Yuno can help.
The council will issue the HMO licence.​
12. Upgrades to meet compliance requirements
 Ensure any upgrades are carried out by competent and accredited experts; the council will ask for proof through documentation and certification.
13. Staying compliant with the licence
Ongoing compliance is what licensing is all about, staying compliant to all documentation and certification requirements is complex and time-consuming, but a must to avoid fines. Yuno Tech is designed to help you stay compliant.
It is essential to note that processing fees and times vary by local council, so it is advisable to consult your local authority for specific details, or Yuno can provide support. ​
Navigating the Additional HMO licensing process can be overwhelming, but with this in mind, Yuno has simplified the process by providing freeholders with expert support at every stage. Our goal is to minimise delays, total costs, risks and potential penalties.Â
It is important to note that specific requirements and timelines can vary based on the local council. With this in mind, it is essential to consult expert assistance to navigate the process effectively.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an Additional Licence for s257 HMO?
Non-compliance with Additional Licensing for s257 HMOs can result in severe consequences, including:
Fines up to £30,000 per offence
Local authorities can impose substantial fines for operating without a Licence.​
Rent Repayment Orders
Landlords may be required to refund up to 12 months’ rent to tenants in certain circumstances.
Prosecution and Criminal Penaltie
Serious breaches can result in prosecution, leading to a criminal record and additional fines.​
Ensuring compliance not only avoids these penalties but also contributes to maintaining high housing standards and tenant satisfaction.​
How Yuno Can Help with s257 HMO Licensing
Yuno specialises in assisting Freeholders and Building Managers with s257 HMO licensing by:​
- Instant checks and Live monitoring of your portfolio: Identifying which properties require a licence couldn’t be easier with Yuno’s API and platform to support you.
- Eligibility Assessment: Determining if your property requires an Additional 257 HMO licence based on local regulations.​
- Application Management: Handling the preparation and submission of all necessary documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.​
- Compliance Guidance: Providing advice on meeting all regulatory standards, including property improvements and management practices.​
- Compliance Upgrades: Yuno provide access to accredited experts for advice and upgrades where required.
With Yuno’s expertise, Freeholders can successfully and seamlessly navigate the s257 HMO licensing process.​
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Get Expert Help with Your s257 HMO Licence Today
Ensuring compliance with s257 HMO licensing regulations is vital for protecting your investment and providing safe housing for tenants.Â
Yuno provides the expertise and support needed to simplify this process. Book a consultation today to speak with one of our specialists and ensure your property meets all necessary licensing requirements.
