The Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 2003

HMO grants: approval of application

59.—(1) The Executive may approve an application for an HMO grant if it thinks fit, subject to the following provisions.

(2) The Executive shall not approve an application for an HMO grant unless it is satisfied that the works are necessary for one or more of the purposes set out in Article 58(1) or (2).

(3) Where the Executive entertains an application for an HMO grant made by a person who proposes to acquire a qualifying owner’s interest, it shall not approve the application until it is satisfied that he has done so.

(4) Where the Executive proposes to approve an application for an HMO grant, it shall consider whether the house to which the application relates is fit for human habitation and meets the requirements in Article 80(2) of the Order of 1992.

(5) If it appears to the Executive that the house is not fit for human habitation or does not meet those requirements, the Executive shall not approve the application unless it is satisfied—

(a) that on completion of the relevant works, together with any other works proposed to be carried out, the house will be fit for human habitation and meet those requirements,

(b) that there are satisfactory financial and other arrangements for carrying out those works, and

(c) that the carrying out of the works is the most satisfactory course of action.

(6) In considering whether to approve an application for an HMO grant the Executive shall have regard to the expected life of the house (taking account, where appropriate, of the effect of carrying out the works).