|From the 30th June 2006, the Housing Act 2004 places a duty on local authorities in Wales to licence houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
In Rhondda Cynon Taff there are two types of HMO that are required to be licensed.
Regulation Summary
Mandatory Licensing
Mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation is a scheme that applies across the UK. The scheme only applies to houses in multiple occupation that meet the following criteria:
-
The houses in multiple occupation or any part of it comprises three storeys or more; and
-
It is occupied by five or more persons; and
-
It is occupied by person living in two or more single households, with a sharing of facilities.
Additional Licensing
There is also a county-wide scheme that requires other types of HMO to be licensed. This scheme applies to houses in multiple occupation that meet the following criteria.
-
The property comprises two or three storeys; and
-
The property is occupied by four or more persons comprising 3 or more households.
In assessing the storeys in a property for either scheme, we will take account of:
-
Any basement that is used wholly or partly as living accommodation or that is being used in connection with, and as integral part of, the houses in multiple occupation
-
Any attic if it is used wholly or partly as living accommodation or that is being used in connection with, and as an integral part of, the houses in multiple occupation.
-
Where the houses in multiple occupation is situated in part of a building above or below a business premise, the storey that includes the business premises will be included.
If your property meets the criteria of either one of these schemes, you will need to apply for a licence.
Application process
Application forms can be obtained by contacting us, downloading a copy from the related documents section on the right of this page or by applying online using the details below.
Please note: It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact them using the details below.
How to apply
You can now apply for your licence online, where payment (if required) can be taken electronically.
Receipt of application notification:
If making an application online you will receive a notification of receipt of payment once a payment has been successfully made. You will then receive an e-mail notification that your application is being processes.
If an application is sent into our Licensing department you will receive a letter notifying you that the application is being processes along with a receipt of payments made within 7 working days
If you hand an application form into our reception office you will receive a receipt of payment immediately and will receive a letter notifying you that the application is being processes within 7 working days
Timescales
Please note: It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact them using the details below
Costs
-
From the 1st April 2013 the fees are as follows;
-
£647 for Mandatory and Additional Licensing Applications
-
£62 discount if applying for 2 or more properties (single discount off total fees payable and not a discount per property)
-
£62 discount for Accredited Landlord/All Wales Landlord Accreditation Scheme (discount is per property)
-
£56 to vary the number of occupants or households permitted by a licence (no dscounts)
-
£28 to alter the address of the Licence Holder or alter the Manager of a licensed HMO.
Applicants are required to provide a Basic level of Disclosure
Disclosure Scotland can be contacted on their information line: 0870 609 6006
For further information please see www.disclosurescotland.co.uk|
You will also be required to supply additional documentation once we have received your initial application
Appeal process
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
Any applicant who is refused a licence or wishes to appeal against conditions attached to their licence, can appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal (RPT) Wales|
Complaints / objections
N/a
Public registers
A full list of all current licensed Houses in Multiple Occupation is held by the Council. Arrangements to view the register can be made by contacting publichealthhousing@rctcbc.gov.uk|
Further information
Contact Us
Telephone: 01443 425001
Fax: 01443 425301
SMS: 07781 489133
Email: publichealthhousing@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk|