Licensing

House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

HMO Licensing is a mechanism for controlling, managing and improving standards in certain types of private rented accommodation.

HMO Licensing seeks to ensure that:

•  landlords and managers are "fit and proper persons"

•  HMOs meet standards for kitchen and bathroom amenities and fire precautions

•  the standards of tenancy relations management and property management are satisfactory

•  where landlords are unwilling to or unable to meet the required standards, councils can step in to manage properties

•  vulnerable tenants, particularly in HMOs, can be protected

•  high risk HMOs and their landlords are identified, so that enforcement action can be targeted on the worst cases using the Housing Health and Safety Rating    System

For more information click here

Mandatory Licensing:

This scheme applies to all HMOs throughout Cardiff which have 3 or more storeys, and the occupied by 5 or more persons. This does not apply to houses split into flats however it is possible that some flats in certain buildings may be licensable, e.g. 2 storey flats above commercial premises. 

Additional Licensing in Cathays:

This scheme applies to all HMOs in the Cathays community ward from 1 st July 2010. A map of Cathays electoral ward can be found in the "Additional Licensing Scheme details inc Map" by clicking here

Additional Licensing is being introduced to tackle some of the problems in Cathays associated with the high number of HMO's found in this area. Additional licensing will help to improve the management of these properties, create consistent standards and have a significant impact on street scene issues such as rubbish.