Residents in Portsmouth who are concerned about the regulation of HMOs will soon be able to more easily check they are registered online as a result of newly updated housing licensing software.
The upgrade is part of Portsmouth City Council’s commitment to make sure HMOs are properly regulated.
Cllr Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness, said:
“We know that people are concerned about HMOs in the city, we also know that they are an important option for many people in Portsmouth who often find other accommodation options unaffordable, so we need to make sure they are safe and properly managed. With this change we want people to be reassured that we are proactively regulating HMOs and making sure these properties are safe for tenants.”
The investment to replace the housing licensing software was announced at the recent full council meeting, and will reflect recent changes in national housing regulations, as well as supporting the maintenance of the register of licensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) database which the council is updating monthly. The council will now look to procure the new system.
Councils are required to maintain a full register of licensed HMOs, which is held by officers, but Portsmouth City Council goes above and beyond to address public concerns by making a list available online. The new software will provide a tool for members of the public to easily search for properties and establish if they are licenced.
Properly managed HMOs help to reduce pressure on council housing and temporary accommodation and contribute to reducing homelessness in the city.
The council is also working to reduce the number of empty homes and build new accommodation, recently announcing plans to build 175 new council flats as the first phase of the Somers Orchard project.
HMO licensing ensures that properties are safe and being properly managed. Residents are encouraged to report potentially unlicensed HMOs to the council so that they can be investigated Report an unlicensed HMO property – Portsmouth City Council.