15.—(1) This section applies where the owner of an unlicensed HMO makes an application to the council that—
(a)specifies steps which may be taken with a view to securing that the HMO ceases to be an HMO, and
(b)includes a declaration that the owner intends to take those steps.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must be in such form as the council specifies by general notice.
(3) If the council is satisfied—
(a)that the steps specified in the application will have the intended effect, and
(b)that the owner intends to take them,
it may issue a notice (a “temporary exemption notice”) in respect of the HMO.
(4) A temporary exemption notice may include safety or security requirements (see section 17).
(5) The council must—
(a)if it decides to issue a temporary exemption notice, serve that notice on the owner and the occupants of the HMO;
(b)otherwise, serve on the owner and the occupants notice of its decision not to do so.
(6) An HMO is not required to be licensed under this Act during the period for which a temporary exemption notice has effect in respect of it.
(7) A temporary exemption notice has effect for—
(a)the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which it is served, or
(b)such longer period as may be granted under section 16.