The weather is exceptionally hot. For guidance on what to do if you see someone sleeping on the streets of Buckinghamshire see Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP).

Operating houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) without a licence

There are several offences in relation to the licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). These carry fines on conviction, and include:

operating an HMO without a licence
breaching licensing conditions

Alternatively for relevant offences, the council may issue a civil penalty notice. This carries a maximum fine of £30,000.

Where an offence has been committed, an application may be made for a rent repayment order to the First-Tier Property Tribunal. If granted, the person receiving rent must repay the amount received during the time in which the HMO has been operating without a licence. This is up to a maximum of 12 months.

The council may make this application where rent was paid through housing benefit. It is also possible for tenants to apply for a rent repayment order to recover rent paid over the same period of time.