Houses in Multiple Occupation
The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006
A New Era in Housing Legislation
The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006 came into force in Wales on 30th June 2006.
The The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006 affects landlords in a number of ways:
- The definition of Houses in Multiple Occupation is changing. Most student-shared houses are now included as HMOs.
- Landlords of HMOs that are three storeys or more with five or more occupants need to apply to the council for a mandatory licence.
- The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) has introduced 29 hazards for officers to consider when inspecting all properties.
Licensing of HMOs
Landlords that own certain types of HMO have to apply for a licence. The licence holder must be a "fit and proper person".
Local authorities can apply to the Assembly to run Additional Licensing Schemes to deal with HMOs that fall outside the scope of mandatory licensing. Selective Licensing Schemes deal with HMOs in areas of low demand or where there is antisocial behavior.
Powys County Council undertakes mandatory licensing and will progress to Additional Licensing in April 2010.
What is the Application Process?
Applications must be made to Powys County Council.
Please use the links on the right of this page to apply or exchange information.
Alternatively, please use the contact details on the right of this page to request an application pack.
Licences will be granted if:
- the house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
- the applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence
- the proposed manager has control of the house, and is a fit and proper person to be the manager
- the management arrangements are satisfactory
What if I don't hear from Powys County Council in time?
You will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from Powys County Council within 28 calendar days of submitting your request.
Is a Fee Payable for a HMO Licence?
A fee is payable for this licence. The actual fee charged depends on conditions and exceptions.
Is There an Appeal Process?
Please contact Powys County Council in the first instance.
You may appeal to a residential property tribunal. You may also appeal to a residential property tribunal regarding conditions attached to a licence or any decision to vary or revoke a licence.
Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.
Consumer Complaints and Other Interested Parties
If a licence is granted and you wish to appeal against it being granted you may do so to a residential property tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
For those landlords whose properties do not fall within the remits of licensing you are still affected by the new HHSRS, which replaces the Fitness Standard.
This is the Government's new method for weighing up risks to health and safety in dwellings. It is a method by which housing professionals may identify hazards and assess the likelihood of harm.
There are 29 hazards in total. Should significant hazards be identified an Improvement Notice or Prohibition Order may be served in place of repair notices and closing orders.
Service Contact
Houses in Multiple Occupation
E-mail: houses.in.multiple.occupation@powys.gov.uk
Telephone: 0845 602 7030
Address:
Houses in Multiple Occupation
Houses in Multiple Occupation
The Gwalia
Ithon Road
Llandrindod Wells
Powys
LD1 6AA
Application Forms
The links below take you to another website which processes these applications on behalf of Powys County Council.
Apply for a house in multiple occupation licence
Tell us about a change to your existing house in multiple occupation licence
Legislation
Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006
Trade Associations
