Basically I need help. I have a 3 storey property that I used as 3 flats but the conversion does not meet building regs. The council came round in 2004 and classed it as 3 self cont flats for council tax purposes. this was rented out to 3 separate families each with their own council tax. In 2005 housing enforcement told me I had to bring it up to standard and licence it as a HMO and I did. However council tax continued to be charged as 3 flats. In 2009 flat 3 was rented out to a brother and sister and council tax declared it a hmo even no further adaptions on the basis they used it as bedsits. I did not authorise this and I got charged the council tax for flat 3 only and tenants for the other paid their council tax. In 2009 I asked why I was being charged as 3 flats when the house was a hmo. Nothing changed and they gave no viable reason. In September 2011 I had enough of the council so I decided that I would rent it as a single unit to one family. I arranged the tenancy agreement but now the council are saying it is still 3 flats and continue to charge. I have told them there is no building regs and no planning permission for conversion to flats but they still argue. I have no told them that they are going to make the current tenant homeless if this is not resolved. They have told the tenant that they are now liable for the council tax for all 3 flats. I explained that they cannot be liable but they dont want to listen so now I want to sell but wont be able to sell as 3 flats can you advise if they are acting within the law.

Thanks

Colin

I am considering letting my 4 bedroom detached house (standard not three storeys) out to 5 professionals. There is one couple and 4 friends.

Two reception rooms downstairs and seperate kitchen. 4 bedrooms upstairs.

Do I need a HMO license ?

Thanks

Gareth