Penalties for Not Applying
From 5 March 2018, unless a notification in relation to a temporary exemption or an application for a licence is effective, any person who, without reasonable excuse, has control of or manages a house in the Area which is required to be licensed but is not so licensed, will be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to an unlimited fine. As an alternative to prosecution the Council may impose a civil penalty of up to £30,000 for this offence. Additionally, an application may be made for a rent repayment order requiring the repayment of rent or housing benefit and no Notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 (recovery of possession on termination of a shorthold tenancy) may be given in relation to the whole of or part of the unlicensed house.