Do I need an HMO licence Cardiff?

Do I need an HMO licence Cardiff?

HMO Licensing If your HMO has 3 or more storeys with 5 or more occupants and is located anywhere in the Cardiff area you need a Mandatory HMO Licence. Any other type of HMO will need an additional licence. If application is approved, the Licence will be issued for the remaining period of the existing licence.

Do you need building regs for HMO?

Building regulations apply to a wide range of works relating to converting a building to HMO use. Buildings that have been converted into self-contained flats are also HMOs if they were not converted in accordance with building regulations (1991 or later) and less than two-thirds of the flats are owner-occupied.

What are the regulations for HMO?

Landlords of HMOs must make sure that:

• proper fire safety measures are in place, including working smoke alarms.
• annual gas safety checks are carried out.
• electrics are checked every 5 years.
• the property is not overcrowded.
• there are enough cooking and bathroom facilities for the number living there.

Do you need a HMO licence in Wales?

Under the new laws, there are two types of HMO licensing: Licensing is mandatory for all HMOs which have three or more storeys and are occupied by five or more persons forming two or more households. Additional licensing is when a council can impose a licence on types of HMOs for which licensing is not mandatory.

Who can hold a HMO Licence?

The person who should apply for an HMO licence is usually the proposed licence holder. This is typically the person who is in control of the property and the person who receives the rent. This could be the owner or landlord, however it could also be a manager employed by the owner.

Can a HMO convert back to house?

Yes in certain circumstances. HMO licensing cannot be used to require a property to remain occupied as an HMO. However certain HMOs, whether or not they are licensable, require change-of-use planning permission to be converted back to a single dwelling.

What classes are HMO in Wales?

You may be living in an HMO if you live in a house or flat that is: occupied by at least 3 tenants, forming more than one household, and. you share a toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants.

How long does it take to get a HMO Licence?

We aim to process applications within 3 months of receipt of a valid application. If there are any delays, you can view the progress of the application by logging into your licensing portal account.

What are HMOs in Cardiff?

This applies across the whole of Cardiff and can include shared houses and houses split into bedsits, or a mixture of flats and bedsits. To provide more detail, the following property types are classed as HMOs for Mandatory Licensing purposes provided the property has 3 storeys.

What is a mandatory HMO licence?

A Mandatory HMO Licence applies to houses in multiple occupation that have 3 storeys or moreand 5 or more occupantswho do not form a single household. This applies across the whole of Cardiff and can include shared houses and houses split into bedsits, or a mixture of flats and bedsits.

What are the new planning laws for HMOs in Wales?

Firstly, the Welsh Government created a new Use Class called ‘C4’ (which is a building type classification) for smaller HMOs. Secondly, the council adopted a new Local Development Plan (LDP) which introduces a new planning policy (policy H5) controlling the sub-division or conversion of residential properties.

What is a C4 HMO in Wales?

On 25th February 2016, the Welsh Government created a new use class (C4) for smaller HMOs, which previously were classed as Dwelling Houses (C3). Large HMOs for more than 7 people have been, and continue to be classed as Sui Generis.