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FOI request (FOIR-533813902)
Unlicensed properties
Requested Mon 24 July 2023
Responded Fri 25 August 2023I making a FOI request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Please disclose:
1. How many unlicensed properties have been granted a HMO license without an inspection.
2. How many licensable properties are inspected at all, and any information regarding the number of licenses denied.
3. How many prosecutions were pursued.
4. Any other information relevant to the number of properties unfit for purpose or should have licences revoked or addressed and how the council deals with the allocation of licensing internally, specifically for residential rental properties.
Response
1. Between 04/05/2018 and 03/05/2023 there was a designation of an Additional Licensing Scheme (buildings containing self-contained flats) in four wards in the area. This included Braybrooke, Castle, Central St Leonards and Gensing.
As you have not specified the date range within your query, the data response encompasses this time period. Additional HMO licences are issued prior to an inspection being carried out.
The length of licence given is dependant on responses provided when an application is made. Property licences were given either a 1, 3 or 5 years licence based on the information provided.
The number of licences issued since between the above time period was 1774. Mandatory HMOs (buildings containing shared accommodation) are inspected prior to a licence being issued.
We have used the same data range above, of which 168 properties were inspected and licensed.
2. As above, 168 mandatory HMOs were inspected and licensed. With regards to Additional HMO licences, 209 properties have received an inspection to date. Although the designation of the scheme has come to an end, the licences remain valid until they expire and inspections are continuing during the licence period.
In terms of licences refused, one has been refused during this time period. This may not be a direct correlation in terms of the result of an inspection visit.
3. There were 4 Prosecutions cases, of which 4 resulted in convictions.
In terms of the context of this information, the council will take action in line with its enforcement policy, which can be found at the following link:
https://www.hastings.gov.uk/content/housing/improvement/454250/pdfs/housingrenewalenforcementpolicy
4. 15 licenses were revoked between 04/05/2018 and 03/05/23.
The criteria for a HMO licensing in Hastings can be found at:
https://www.hastings.gov.uk/housing/landlord/licensing/new_hmo_scheme/
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