Explanatory Memorandum

Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

2016 CHAPTER 22

12 May 2016

Commentary on Sections

Part 3: Enforcement of Licensing Requirements

Section 30: Unlicensed HMO

This section creates a number of criminal offences relating to HMO licensing. An owner of a licensable HMO without a licence is committing an offence (unless the owner has a reasonable excuse).  A person who acts as an agent for an HMO which is not licensed also commits an offence.  And where the owner of an unlicensed HMO instructs an agent to act in relation to that house, the owner commits an offence.