Surrey Property Licensing

Surrey Property Licensing provides specialised services, support, and advice concerning the regulation of the private rented sector. The firm assists a diverse clientele, including landlords, letting agents, property investors, trade associations, and mortgage lenders. The company aims to deliver high-quality, expert guidance on various issues within Private Rented Sector (PRS) regulation. Surrey Property Licensing focuses on informing and educating its clients about current regulations, thereby facilitating easier compliance with required standards.

The firm adopts a practical and pragmatic approach to each case, ensuring that its services are tailored and bespoke to the individual needs of every client. A primary area of expertise for Surrey Property Licensing involves navigating the complexities of HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) and Selective Licensing applications. The company offers advice on property licensing obligations, working to streamline the application process for clients and mitigate the risk of costly penalties and fines. Beyond initial applications, the firm conducts HMO compliance inspections, providing expert advice to ensure properties adhere to management regulations and assisting in resolving any problems that may arise following a compliance check.

Furthermore, Surrey Property Licensing carries out private Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessments to identify potential hazards before local authorities do, offering guidance on maintaining HHSRS compliance. The company also compiles professional fire risk assessments, advising on fire safety risks and the necessary actions to comply with regulations and safeguard tenants. Surrey Property Licensing extends its services to include expert witness provisions in civil litigation. The firm delivers CPR 35 (Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules) compliant expert witness reports, specifically addressing housing disrepair and housing condition disputes.

This expertise encompasses key legislation such as the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 Sections 9a, 9b, 10, and 11, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and the Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). For clients facing enforcement action, the company offers expert help and advice, assisting with negotiations or mediation with local authorities to find effective solutions and reduce stress and costs. Additionally, Surrey Property Licensing provides comprehensive reviews, help, and advice for various housing cases, offering written summaries of situations and outlining potential solutions to achieve positive outcomes. The firm also offers landlord defence services.

The foundation of Surrey Property Licensing's services is built upon extensive experience within the private rented sector and environmental health housing. The company's expertise includes overseeing mandatory HMO licensing schemes, managing the enforcement and prosecution of unlicensed HMOs, and handling the licensing and enforcement of mobile park home sites. The firm also possesses considerable experience with empty homes and addressing fire safety and cladding issues in high-rise buildings. This background involves working with critical legislation such as the Housing Act 2004, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Housing Enforcement, the HMO Management Regulations 2006/07, the Housing and Planning Act 2016, and various fire safety regulations.

Surrey Property Licensing is committed to providing impartial advice and services on the regulation and guidance of private sector housing. While Surrey Property Licensing serves the broader private rented sector, its core services are highly pertinent to the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market. Many student housing properties, particularly those that are not institutionally managed or are smaller shared residences, operate as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The company's specialisation in HMO and Selective Licensing applications directly supports PBSA providers in meeting their legal obligations for these types of properties.

Furthermore, the firm's expertise in HMO compliance inspections, HHSRS assessments, and fire risk assessments is crucial for maintaining safe and legally compliant student living environments. With local authorities, such as Surrey Council, implementing stricter regulations on HMOs, the company's advisory and enforcement mitigation services are increasingly valuable for PBSA operators navigating evolving legislative landscapes. The firm's comprehensive understanding of housing law and regulations ensures that PBSA clients can effectively manage their properties while adhering to all necessary standards.