18 September 2009

Dear Ms Gibb,

I am writing in response to your request of 20 August for information about improvement statistics under the Housing Act 2004. Your request has been considered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I can confirm that Communities and Local Government does hold some of the information that you have requested and I am able to provide you with that information as set out below. Communities and Local Government does not, however, hold all the information that you have requested.

1. Paragraph 2 (questions 1 - 4) - Communities and Local Government does not hold the information that you have requested.

2. Paragraph 3 (question 5) - As at 17 June 2009, 21,696 mandatory HMO licences had been issued in England. In relation to the income generated from licence fees, CLG does not hold this information.

3. Paragraph 3 (questions 6-8) - Communities and Local Government does not hold the information that you have requested.

4. Paragraph 4 - Communities and Local Government has no comment.

5. Paragraph 6 (questions 1 - 6) - Communities and Local Government does not hold the information that you have requested.

6. Paragraph 8 - Communities and Local Government does not hold the information that you have requested.

7. Paragraph 9 - In relation to the licensing of overseas landlords, an HMO licence must be granted to the most appropriate person to hold it for the property. Under normal circumstances, that would be the landlord. However, the new licensing provisions require private landlords of HMOs to actively engage in the management of their properties. In most circumstances a landlord living overseas would not be capable of managing the property on a day to day basis and as such would not be the most appropriate person to hold the licence.

This is not a hard and fast rule and if the local authority can be persuaded that such a landlord can effectively manage the property whilst living abroad, then it can grant a licence to that person. However, a landlord living overseas can, in agreement with the local authority, nominate a manager or agent, such as a family member, to be the licence holder.

Any decision about who should be the licence holder may be appealed to a Residential Property Tribunal.

Communities and Local Government as an organisation aims to be as helpful as possible in the way it deals with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or the outcome, you may request an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about the Department's review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case is contained on the Department's website at http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/corporate/pdf/accesstoinfo-leaflet.pdf. This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the authority's review.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely,

William Tandoh