HMO Licensing Cardiff
We at CPS Homes pride ourselves on being the market leader when it comes to property in the Cardiff area. With this in mind, there is no one better placed to advise you as a landlord as to what your legal responsibilities are. For example, if you need advice on whether your property is HMO licensable, and what type of licence you need, then look no further! This page will give you all the information you need; from definitions of HMO's; to in depth guidance relating to amenity requirements, and perhaps most importantly; this page indicates how CPS Homes can help you.
Additional Licensing Scheme - Cathays, Cardiff
As you may be aware, Cardiff County Council has confirmed the designation of an additional licensing scheme in respect of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) covering the Cathays Community Ward. The designation has the effect of applying HMO licensing to all HMO's in Cathays Community Ward from 1st July 2010.
The map of the affected area can be found here
The definition of an HMO can be found on our HMO definitions page but can be surmised as
- Properties not made up of a single household (i.e. a family) apart from where there are a maximum of two persons in the building
- A building converted into flats where the conversion did not meet the 1991 building regulations and the building is more than one third rented.
What do I need to do?
If your property falls within the additional licensing remit you will need to submit an application for a licence by the 1st July 2010. As managing agents, CPS Homes can submit the application on your behalf for £150 plus VAT. It is important to note that this service is available to managed landlords at this price. If you are a "Let Only" landlord, we can complete the application process for you, however the cost is £350 plus VAT due to the detail required on the application. If you are a "Let Only" landlord and would like to discuss the application process, or even the possibility of becoming a managed landlord, please contact us.
For CPS Homes to complete the application on your behalf, all you will need to do is: -
- Provide a criminal conviction certificate from Disclosure Scotland. This can be completed online Alternatively CPS Homes can provide paper forms.
- Provide a passport photo
Failure to apply for a licence is an offence under Section 72(1) of the Housing Act 2004 for which a person may be fined up to £20,000. In addition you may be required to repay up to 12 months rent collecting during such time that the property was unlicensed.
What will CPS Homes do?
CPS Homes will deal with the whole process on your behalf, which will include: -
- Submission of the application form and certificates
- On site meetings with Cardiff County Council to identify works needed
- Increase the frequency of inspections to quarterly, free of charge as part of our managed service
- Deal with maintenance and management requests from Cardiff County Council
Please note if you wish to complete the application process yourself then CPS Homes will not be able to sign the application form, and Cardiff County Council will contact you directly regarding any requests.
For works that you may be required to carry out on your HMO, please see our HMO amenity standards page. If you are a managed landlord then we will contact you directly to discuss the finer points of your application process, and explain the financial aspects of the licensing.
If a landlord chooses to complete the application process, CPS Homes offer an inspection service as per below, at a cost of £99 plus VAT.
Consultancy Service for Non-managed Landlords
The Inspection
During the inspection we will check...
- The level of amenities at the property is suitable for the number of occupants. This will include the number of bathrooms, W.C's, worktop space and storage, cookers, and sinks.
- Requirements relating to amenities such as extractor fans, tiling, and electric sockets.
- Space requirements, taking measurements where necessary to ascertain if communal areas are acceptable for levels of occupancy, and to check that bedrooms are large enough in relation to the headspace and communal areas available.
- The fire alarm system that is present is compliant with the licence conditions. We will physically check for any issues that could arise.
- The property is compliant with fire safety, which will include checking that doors at the property are of the correct type, and that any internal walls are of the correct resistance.
- A number of other items as per LACORS guidance, which will include risk assessment including inner rooms, works required for basements, and fire precautions for under stair cupboards.
- The property is adequate from a HHSRS perspective, to ensure that any other health and safety issues do not cause problems upon inspection from Cardiff County Council.
The Report
After the inspection we will provide...
- A written report which will detail our findings and state where the property does not meet the requirements for HMO licensing, including recommendation to ensure HMO compliance.
- Our recommendations, which will be cost effective and directly related to the level of occupancy. We will also recommend ways in which you can maximize your investment where applicable.
- A checklist of items to be available to Cardiff County Council upon request.
- A checklist of procedures to carry out to ensure you meet your ongoing obligations as part of holding an HMO licence.
- A rental evaluation, as well as advice on how you can maximise your investment potential.