Additional HMO Licensing Consultation Reminder

Greetings everyone! As we approach the final weeks of the Additional Licensing consultation for the entire Sandwell Borough, we want to remind you that the consultation period for this expansion will conclude on March 18, 2024. If you haven’t already, please take the time to share your input by completing our questionnaire at: https://consultationhub.sandwell.gov.uk/external-research-companies/hmo-additional-licensing-consultation/

The Sandwell Council envisions that extending the current licensing scheme to encompass all HMOs in the area will result in several positive outcomes:

• Enhancing living conditions for numerous tenants through property improvement.
• Mitigating property-related crime, addressing anti-social behavior, and reducing instances of rubbish dumping.
• Supporting responsible landlords while eliminating rogue landlords from operating within the borough.
• Elevating the overall image of the area, making it a more desirable place to reside.

Before reaching a decision, the Council values your opinions on the proposed changes and any alternative suggestions. Your participation in the questionnaire is crucial to shaping the outcome of this process. Thank you for your involvement!

Do you rent out properties which aren’t heated by gas? Then read on…

The Government is offering Home Upgrade Grants to landlords who rent out properties which aren’t primarily heated by gas. 

Following a free assessment from the West Midlands Combined Authority’s friendly retrofit team, a range of measures to improve the energy efficiency of your property will be recommended.  These could include loft and wall insulation, solar panels and the introduction of high retention storage heaters or air source heat pumps.

Two thirds of the cost is covered by the Government Home Upgrade Grant, with the remaining third payable by the landlord.  An average of £19,500 is being spent in total on each property.  After the costs have been clarified and consent to proceed has been obtained from the landlord, the work is carried out.  

Once completed, everyone benefits!  The property is warmer to live in; damp and mould gets treated; your tenants’ energy bills go down; the property’s carbon footprint is reduced and the value of the property increases.

In order to qualify for this scheme:

• Only properties which don’t use gas as the main form of central heating will qualify
• Landlords must own four or less properties
• Only properties which have an Energy Performance Certificate of D or less will qualify; this will be checked when you apply
• The combined income of the tenants in the property must not exceed £36,000 per year – although certain postcode areas are exempt from income checks.

More information on the Home Upgrade Scheme is available at www.wmca.org.uk/hug