People living in Plasnewydd and Gabalfa wards are to be asked their opinion on whether all or part of those areas should be designated as part of the HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Licensing scheme.
The Executive has agreed to go out to consultation on the extension to the scheme which would apply to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the areas except those exempted by the relevant sections of the Housing Act 2004. A scheme has successfully covered the Cathays ward since July 2010.
The scheme gives the Council additional licensing powers to extend the scope of its HMO licensing to other descriptions of HMO in the area covered which means the standard of housing in the area will be improved as all properties have to be identified, inspected and have consistent standards.
Additional licensing would bring significant benefits in the Plasnewydd and Gabalfa Wards by securing improved housing accommodation and better management of properties. The scheme would also improve safety for the occupiers and bring improvements to the wider community.
Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Judith Woodman, said: “The Council had been concerned about the impact of HMOs and student housing in Cathays and introduced a licensing scheme which along with other initiatives has had a significant and positive impact in the area. Due to this success, we are now looking at the possibility of extending the scheme to the Plasnewydd and Gabalfa wards.”
“The Council is determined that all residents in the capital, particularly students coming to study in Cardiff, are safe and live in high quality accommodation providing value for money. Should the scheme go ahead, I would encourage all landlords, tenants and residents to help the Council make it as much a success in the Plasnewydd and Gabalfa Wards as it has been in Cathays.”
Any landlord, person managing or tenant within the city should seek advice from Cardiff Council’s Regulatory Service, Private Sector Housing Team regarding whether a property would be affected by an Additional Licensing Scheme in the Plasnewydd and Gabalfa Wards.
A person having control or managing an HMO in the designated areas would need to apply to Cardiff Council for a licence.
For further information contact the Private Sector Housing team on 029 2087 1762 or [email protected]
