Bishopston & Ashley Down - Notice Of Designation Of A Citywide Additional Licensing Scheme

CITY COUNCIL OF BRISTOL

HOUSING ACT 2004 (“THE ACT”): PARTS 2 AND 3
NOTICE OF DESIGNATION OF A CITYWIDE ADDITIONAL LICENSING SCHEME
NOTICE OF DESIGNATION OF BISHOPSTON AND ASHLEY DOWN, COTHAM AND EASTON WARDS FOR SELECTIVE LICENSING

TAKE NOTICE THAT
On 6th February 2024 the Council, being the Local Housing Authority, of PO Box 3399, Bristol, BS1 9NE made decisions affecting the whole of Bristol with the result that:

1. The whole of the City and County of Bristol is designated as subject to Additional Licensing under Part 2, s.56(1)(b) of the Act in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation (as defined by section 77 of the Act) situated in the Area of their district unless the HMO is required to be licensed under section 55(2)(a) of the Act (mandatory licensing of HMOs) or section 55(2)(b) of the Act (other additional licensing schemes already in force). Converted blocks of flats to which section 257 of the Act applies or any property to which section 233 of the Act applies. Properties approved under section 233 include larger developments of student accommodation not managed and controlled by educational establishments such as universities.

(The Additional Licensing Designation).

2. Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham and Easton wards are designated as subject to Selective Licensing under Part 3, s.80(1)(b) of the Act. (The Selective Licensing Designation). The Selective Licensing Designation applies to any house which is let or occupied under a tenancy or licence within the area described, unless the house is a house in multiple occupation and is required to be licensed under Part 2 of the Act.

3. Neither the Additional Licensing Designation nor The Selective Licensing Designation (The Designations) needs the confirmation of The Secretary of State, as both fall within a description of designations for which a general approval has been given under The Housing Act 2004, sections 58 and 82: Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Selective Licensing of Other Residential Accommodation (England) General Approval 2015 (The 2015 approval).

4. Both Designations come into force on 6th August 2024 and shall cease to have effect on 5 August 2029.

5. The Council will comply with the notification requirements contained in sections 59 and 83 of the Act and shall maintain a register of all properties registered under this designation, as required under section 232 of the Act.

6. The Notice of Designations may each be inspected at 100 Temple Street, Bristol BS1 6AG, between the hours of 10:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday. Information and advice may also be obtained by telephoning 0117 352 5010 or emailing private.housing@bristol.gov.uk or in writing to private Housing (100TS), PO BOX 3399, BRISTOL BS1 9NE. Online application forms and information is also available on the Council’s website www.bristol.gov.uk/property licensing

7. Any landlord, person managing or tenant within the designated areas is advised to seek advice from the council about whether their property is affected by either of the Designations described in paragraphs 1 and 2 above.

8. Warning: Failing To License A Property That Is Required To Be Licensed Is A Criminal Offence For Which A Person Is Liable On Summary Conviction To An Unlimited Fine Or A Civil Penalty Of Upto £30,000. That Person May Also Be Required To Pay Back Up To Twelve Months Rent For The Period The Property Is Unlicensed And Tenants May Not Also Be Given Notice Using Section 21 Of The Housing Act 1988 Whilst That Property Is Unlicensed.

Signed: Tim O’Gara, Proper Officer for The Council