A TV licence is the legal permission you need to install a television as a piece of equipment for watching or recording live TV programs. This includes catch up TV or downloading BBC programs on demand – This also means using website that show live recorded shows such as BBC iPlayer you should not do unless you have a license. The TV licence fee is a payment for the BBC services.
The TV licence fee is mandatory according to the Communication Act 2003. Under the act, communications regulation 2004, BBC has the power to determine the terms and conditions and even duration of a TV Licence. The TV Licence fee is an annual sum that’s why authorities provide licence duration for 12 months. However, the first licence may cover a period of fewer than 12 months.
What is the duration of a TV licence?
A person needs a TV licence from the first day he buys or installs television receiving equipment. Also, its expiry date is fixed. For instance:- If a TV licence is issued on 15 October it will expire on 31 September the following year. Similarly, the renewal of licence expiry date is also issued for a full 12 months.
What is the TV licence Situation for HMO?
The most important thing is that in shared accommodation you need 1 TV licence for the HMO property. So, if you are providing a communal TV lounge and you have a licence for the property you are covered for all room also. On the other hand, if your tenants need a television in their bedrooms and the property does not have a license then they would be required to buy one. This is the TV licence situation, you will need to explain it to your tenants before they move in. This will then be added to the tenancy agreement. You can ask more about TV Licence from trusted Experts in HMO Management in London.
In HMO (houses of multiple occupancies) where multiple tenants shared a house need their own tenancy TV Licence for their room with their own tenancy agreement. However, each licence will also cover tenants watching TV in communal areas. Also, if tenants aren’t covered in the licence for their room then it will also not be covered in communal areas. In case, if the property is vacant you can inform the board.
On the other hand, In a shared house of a joint tenancy, one TV Licence will cover the whole house.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
Is TV Licence for a property or person?
A TV Licence is generally issued by the name of the person paying the fee and it covers the address premises specified on the Licence for the use of televisions receiving equipment.
Who is responsible for the TV Licensing in a rented (shared) house?
Generally, the TV Licence is considered as the responsibility of tenants unless the tenancy agreement specifies that the landlord is responsible for the TV licence to the tenants.
In case, if you are living in a sharing house such as HMO then it depends on whether there is a joint tenancy agreement or not. If each tenant has their own tenancy agreement, then each of them would need a TV Licence for their room.
Shared house joint tenancy
In case, if you are part of a joint tenancy agreement with your housemates then you require only one TV Licence and you will be able to cover all the devices in your house. On the other hand, if you don’t have a licence, you may have to pay the fine plus any legal costs or some amount of compensation you may have to pay to the board or authorities.
Shared house multiple tenancies
If you’ve signed a separate tenancy agreement and need to watch TV in your room, then you’ll need your own TV licence. And, you are responsible to get it. In addition, this TV licence will also cover communal areas.
What can be the consequences of not having a TV licence?
If you don’t have a TV licence then you may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000 and prosecution, as well as legal costs.
Final Words:– TV licensing is a very important thing to be considered if you are a tenant or a landlord. Tenants including students and professionals should ensure that a TV used in a rental property where they going to live is properly licensed, even if it is supplied by the landlord. For more information regarding property management services in London and HMO services, you can contact us freely.
