Southampton - Designation of an Area for Additional HMO Licensing

SOUTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE SOUTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL

DESIGNATION OF AN AREA FOR ADDITIONAL LICENSING OF HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION 2025

Section 56 & 59 Housing Act 2004

Southampton City Council (“the Council”) HEREBY GIVES NOTICE THAT in accordance with paragraph 9 of the Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/373) and Section 59 of the Housing Act 2004 (“the Act”) that the Council in exercise of its powers under Section 56 of the Act the Council has designated an area for additional licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation.

1. This designation was approved by the Council on 17th June 2025 and the approval is effective on 26th June 2025 and the designation shall come into force on 1st October 2025. The designation falls within a description of designations for which the Secretary of State has issued a General Approval dated 30th March 2010.

2. The designation shall cease to have effect on 30th September 2030.

3. This designation shall apply to the area that covers the Bevois, Bargate, Banister & Polygon, Portswood, Swaythling, Shirley, Bassett, Freemantle & Millbrook electoral wards within the City of Southampton

4. The Designation may be inspected during office hours by appointment at the Southampton City Council, Resident Services, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY or online at www.southampton.gov.uk/hmo telephone on 023 8083 3000.

If you are a landlord, managing agent or a tenant, or if your require any further information regarding this designation, or to apply for a licence, further information and advice is available from Southampton City Council, Resident Services, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY or online at www.southampton.gov.uk/hmo telephone on 023 8083 3000 or by email to hmo@southampton.gov.uk or in writing to Southampton City Council, Resident Services, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY

All landlords, managing agents or tenants within the designated area should obtain advice to ascertain whether their property is affected by the Designation by contacting the Council’s Resident Services

Upon the Designation coming into force on 1st October 2025 any person who operates a licensable property without a licence, or allows a licensed property to be occupied by more households or persons than as authorised by a licence, is liable to prosecution and upon conviction is liable to a level five fine. Alternatively, anyone committing such an offence could be issued with a Civil penalty notice up to £30,000. A person who breaches a condition of a licence is also liable upon summary conviction to a level fine or alternatively be issued with a Civil Penalty Notice up to £30,000.

Dated: 18th July 2025

Richard Ivory, Solicitor, Director Legal and Governance, Civic Centre, Southampton SO14 7LY