Tag Archives: HMO

Five Things to Consider when Renting a Room in Cardiff

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Rooms to Rent in Cardiff

Five Things to consider when renting a room in Cardiff:

1. Is the landlord or letting agent Rent Smart Wales accredited?  you can find out if they are by using the Rent Smart Wales https://www.rentsmart.gov.wales/en/check-register/  

2. Does the property require a HMO licence? Generally, a property will need licensing in Cardiff if it is a mandatory licenced HMO (3 storeys or more and 5 or more occupants) or it is located in one of Cardiff’s two additional licensing zones (Cathays & Plasnewydd).  You can find about Cardiff HMO Licensing here https://www.srs.wales/Documents/Housing/HMO-Licensing-Guidance-revised-Sept-2020.pdf

3. Does the landlord have planning permission to operate a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Cardiff?  Since February 2016 its been a legal requirement for a newly created HMO to have planning permission in place. A HMO is a house in multiple occupation rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’ (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen.

4. Do I have to pay a Letting Fee?  Letting fees were banned in Wales from 1st September 2019 however a landlord or their agent can charge a “holding deposit”. A holding deposit can be any amount up to a maximum of the equivalent of one weeks’ rent.  The “holding deposit” must be offset against rent or security deposit, if both parties agree to enter into a tenancy, then the deposit must be repaid to the tenant within seven calendar days of that agreement.  More information about the tenant fee ban can be found here https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-08/letting-fees-guidance-for-landlords-and-letting-agents.pdf

5. Do I have to pay a security deposit or bond?  Many landlords and Cardiff Letting Agents require tenants to pay security or “tenancy” deposit.  This is maybe equivalent to one months rent but is not limited to it.  If you are required to pay a security deposit or bond it must be deposited in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme (TDP) within 30 days of payment and proof of deposit supplied by the landlord or the letting agent.

You can view a sample of our legally compliant rooms to rent in Cardiff by clicking on the following links:

Ensuite Rooms to Rent in Cardiff

Studios to Rent in Cardiff

Rooms to Rent in Cardiff Bills Included

DSS Rooms to Rent in Cardiff

Alternatively, if you are looking for a legally compliant room to rent in Cardiff please register using the form below:

Government Announces Changes to Mandatory HMO Licensing

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HMO

Government have announced they plan to press ahead with changes to mandatory HMO licensing, properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more households regardless of the properties layout (no longer 3 or more storeys) will require licensing.

In this latest announcement Government has also confirmed minimum bedroom sizes for Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO):

Rooms used for sleeping by 1 adult will have to be no smaller than 6.51 square metres, and those slept in by 2 adults will have to be no smaller than 10.22 square metres. Rooms slept in by children of 10 years and younger will have to be no smaller than 4.64 square metres.

Link to Department for Communities and Local Government Announcement

High Yield Property Management Limited is a Cardiff letting agent and specialist HMO property management company that offers bespoke property management solutions that look to maximise landlord yields.

To discuss our Cardiff HMO property management service please complete our online contact form below:

Is the Cardiff House Share an Endangered Species?

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The Cardiff house share is in great danger due to a number to changes to taxation and legislation to the Private Rented Sector (PRS) across the UK in 2016 with Wales leading the way with the roll out of Rent Smart Wales www.rentsmart.gov.wales a national landlord and letting agent register which came into force on 23rd November 2016.

As well as the introduction of Rent Smart Wales the Welsh Assembly Government have also introduced further legislation around the creation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) or more commonly known as house shares. Prior to 25th February 2016 in Wales the C3 planning use classification applied to all dwelling houses up to and including six tenants but on the 25th February 2016 Wales introduced a C4 planning use classification of HMO: “tenanted living occupation by 3 to 6 people, who are not related and who share one or more basic amenities, as their only or main residence.”

Why is C4 HMO Use Class Such a Problem?

In England, it’s not.  It has long been accepted that permitted development rights ensured a property owner would automatically have planning permission granted by the General Development Order where an existing single family dwelling (C3) is used as a small HMO (within class C4) or vice versa.  However, all properties in Wales with 3 to 6 (unrelated) tenants now require a change of use application to be made, at the recently increased planning fee of £380 and there is NO GUARANTEE OF APPROVAL for your house share in Cardiff or else where is Wales.

Cardiff Council’s Approach to House of Multiple Occupation (HMO)

From a landlord and property investor perspective it looks as if Cardiff Council is going all out to stop the creation of additional house shares within the city.  Cardiff Council is to try to control the total concentration of house shares in each area by denying landlords in those areas planning permission to move between HMO classes if the concentration for that area has already been met, and the property falls within 50m radius of the designated area.  The threshold for the ward’s of Cathays and Plasnewyedd is 20 percent and in all other wards 10 percent.

Here is a link to Cardiff Council’s HMO Supplementary Planning Guidance: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Planning/Planning-Policy/Supplementary-Planning-Guidance/Documents/HMO%20SPG%20Consultation%20Draft%20April.pdf

So as can been seen from housing legislation that has been introduced by the UK Government , Welsh Assembly Government and Cardiff Council there is going to be a decrease in the overall number of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) being created in Cardiff even though the number of people looking to house share in Cardiff is ever increasing as they search for high quality affordable accommodation.

Diary of a HMO Landlord

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I have been involved in property investment since 2002, but started getting drawn towards Multi Let property and Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) from around 2008 as the penny dropped that buying for capital appreciation and my retirement was all well and good, but I needed to pay for today.

So in 2008 I started my Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) education, I read books, visited internet forums and attended as many free webinars as I could enabling me to slowly piece together the HMO puzzle until I felt confident enough to make my first purchase at auction in 2010.

So for the last 5 years I have been actively purchasing and refurbishing property in Cardiff to create both professional house shares and also multi let property for Housing Benefit tenants, I know everybody says I am mad!
As you can imagine the last 5 years have been quite intense carrying out numerous refurbishment projects and one hell of a steep learning curve dealing with a broad spectrum of tenants, but 5 years later I am still here and loving what I do.

Why this post?

I have learnt so much but until now haven’t had the time to share but if all goes well I intend to share my knowledge in the form of a weekly “Diary of a HMO Landlord” entry which will hopefully provide readers with a real insight into what it is to be a HMO Landlord.
Just in the last two weeks I have had to rod manholes full of crap, had meeting with charities completed numerous tenancies, Housing Benefit forms, been a social worker and put up with the usual of tenants thinking they can terminate their tenancy whenever they like!

I love being a HMO landlord, but I don’t think you could write a job description for the role as there are so many different elements you have to be aware of.

Anyway that’s enough rambling for now; I hope you enjoy my future “Diary of a HMO Landlord” posts and please feel free to ask any questions via my blog or complete the form below if there are any specific HMO topics you would like me to discuss.

House Sharing A Tenants Guide

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House Sharing is becoming more popular across all demographics of the UK population, from fresh graduates who have just planted their foot on the first rung of the career ladder, under 35’s who are being forced to house share due to changes to housing benefits or more mature members of society who are no longer able to afford to live on their own.  Demand for house sharing is only going to increase as our islands population continues to grow and place an extra strain on our limited housing stock.

House Sharing main benefits are it is a great way to meet people if you are new to an area. House sharing offers a social life as well as place to live (we recommend multi let properties with a communal area) and financially it makes sense as bills are either included in the monthly rent (easier to budget each month) or split between all tenants.

Where to find a House Share

There a huge number of online mediums to find a house to share, sites include:

www.spareroom.co.uk

www.uk.easyroommate.com

www.gumtree.com

www.housepals.co.uk

www.roombuddies.com

www.kangaroom.co.uk

There are also sites geared toward specific geographic locations in the UK, such as:

www.intolondon.com

www.housesharewales.co.uk

As well as sites offering specific ethnic, gender and other preferences:

www.indianroommates.in

www.gayflatshare.net

So whatever you’re chosen location there will be a site and house share to suit your specific needs.

House Sharing: Arranging a Viewing

It is very important to view the property before committing to enter into a house sharing agreement.  When viewing a property it is now law that you are shown a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).  An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and energy costs and provides recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money.  An EPC provides an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

Even if bills are included in the monthly rent and EPC will provide a snap shot at the overall condition of the property as often a more energy efficient house will have a modern boiler and double glazed windows which will be of benefit in the winter.

Other certificates to look out for are a Gas Safety certificate (renewed annually) and Electric Certificate (Valid for 10 years) and HMO License (mandatory if the property is 3 or more storey and houses 5 or more people) any House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) you visit should have a notice board containing the landlords contact details, house rules and certificates on display.  This is a good indication the Landlord understands and takes their responsibility to tenants seriously.

 What is the ideal number of Housemate

When embarking on your house sharing journey it is important to meet your potential housemate and decide upon which house share best suits your needs. Although there is no absolute “best” number of housemate when house sharing it is good to avoid two or three together as two housemates can create an intensely inwardly-focused and dependent situation, and falling out or pairing off in other relationships often happens.

Three same sex housemates can lead to accusations of favouritism or ‘ganging up’ against one housemate.  House sharing with four, five and even six mixed-sex housemates often promotes an environment that is high on flexibility and offers non-intense rapport that helps avoid dangerous arguments and fallings-out.

Obviously when house sharing with five or six housemates amenities need to be taken into account and I would recommend looking for a house share with more than one shower room and a separate WC or a house share that offers ensuite facilities.

Questions to ask potential housemates

What time do you get up in the morning?

What time do you go to bed?

Do you smoke?

How often and how would you clean a toilet?

What is the price of a large sliced loaf/jar of coffee?

What experience have you had of working in a team?

 House Sharing Legals

You’ve found the perfect house share; you spoken with the landlord and housemates, now the fun begins.  As previously mentioned you should have already seen a copy of the EPC during your viewing as well as the Gas safety Certificate.  Other factors to consider are a bond.  If the landlord or agent offers an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) and requires a bond legally they are required to protect your bond within one of the following tenancy deposit protection (TDP) schemes:

Your bond must be protected in one of the above within 30 days of receiving the bond payment and  the landlord or agent must provide you with a Prescribed Information Certificate containing the Terms and Conditions of the chosen TDP scheme.

More information about TDP Scheme can be found on the Government Gov.uk site:

https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/overview

AST or License

If you are house sharing with a live in landlord chances are you will be provided in a License rather than an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) as a form of housing contract.  Please be aware a housing license offers less protection from eviction than an AST.

If your chosen house share doesn’t have a live in landlord and you do not have a main UK residence other than your new house share the landlord or agent has no option other than provide you with an AST whether it be a written or verbal contract.

The charity shelter provides a wealth of information relating to AST and Licenses her:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/renting_and_leasehold/renting_agreements

Rooms in Cardiff in a specialist provider of HMO and multi let services to landlords and property investors in Cardiff and throughout South Wales.

We are also a source of information for those interested in house sharing and a great place to come if you are looking for a housemate or Rooms to Rent in Cardiff  and across South Wales.

Cardiff Professional House Share, Llanishen Street CF14 Bills & WiFi Included

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Cardiff Professional House Share in Llanishen Street. Modern kopen plan kitchen/living area

 

  • Room 1
  • Newly Decorated
  • New bed. mattress, wardrobe & chest of draws
  • Double studio room to rent Cardiff (Own Kitchenette, Shower, Wash Basin & WC)
  • located on the ground floor at the rear of the property
  • AVAILABLE April 2021!
  • RENT £560 PCM
  • Rent includes all bills, Wi-Fi & hard wired internet & cleaner
  • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, chest of draws, TV aerial & hard-wired internet
  • 360 Degree Room Tour & Photos coming soon
  • Room 2
  • Contains 4′ bed, mattress, wardrobe, TV aerial & hard-wired internet
  • Double ensuite room to rent Cardiff (Own Shower, Wash Basin & WC)
  • Located on the ground floor at the front of the property
  • Sorry This Room is Taken
  • RENT £560 PCM
  • Rent includes all bills, Wi-Fi & hard wired internet & cleaner
  • Room 2 360 Degree View 1
  • Room 2 360 Degree View 2
  • Room 2 Ensuite Shower Room
  • Room 3
  • Double Room (THIS IS NOT AN ENSUITE ROOM)
  • located on the 1st floor of the property in the annex overlooking the garden
  • SORRY THIS ROOM IS TAKEN
  • Rent £520 per calendar month
  • Rent includes all bills, Wi-Fi & hard wired internet
  • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, chest of draws, TV aerial & hard wired internet
  • Room 3 360 Degree Tour
    • 20180905_094538.jpg
    Room 3
    20180905_094429.jpg
    20180905_094703.jpg

    • Room 4
    • Double Room (THIS IS NOT AN ENSUITE ROOM)
    • located on the 1st floor at the rear of the property
    • SORRY THIS ROOM IS TAKEN
    • RENT £520 PCM
    • Rent includes all bills, Wi-Fi
    • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, chest of draws, TV aerial & hard wired internet
    • Room 4 360 Degree Tour

     

    • Room 5
    • Double Room (THIS IS NOT AN ENSUITE ROOM)
    • located on the 1st floor at the front of the property
    • Sorry but this room is taken
    • Rent includes all bills, Wi-Fi
    • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, chest of draws, TV aerial & hard wired internet
    • Room 5 360 Degree Tour
    • Room 6
    • Double Room (THIS IS NOT AN ENSUITE ROOM)
    • located on the 1st floor at the front of the property
    • SORRY THIS ROOM HAS BEEN TAKEN
    • Rent includes all bills, Wi-Fi
    • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, chest of draws, TV aerial & hard wired internet
    • 360 Degree Room Tour: Room 6
    • Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/ULy7i
    • Number Rooms: 6
    • Shower/Bathrooms: 4
    • WCs: 4
    • 2 ensuite rooms to rent in Cardiff
    • Male Tenants: 3
    • Female Tenants: 1
    • Parking: Yes, on street (50% Residential Parking Permits)
    • Garden: Yes
    • Bike storage: Yes
    • Bills Included: Yes

    What’s Local?

    • Got Beef
    • Society Standard
    • Sainsbury’s Local
    • COOP
    • Tesco Local
    • Tesco Extra
    • North Star Pub
    • The Heath Pub
    • Roath Park
    • Numerous bars, restaurants & takeaways

    Excellent Transport Links

    • Close to A48, A470 & M4
    • 15-20 minute walk to Cardiff City Centre
    • Numerous buses in to Cardiff City Centre via Whitchurch Road & North Road

    Local Employers & Academia

    • University Hospital Wales (UHW)
    • Companies House
    • BBC Llandaff
    • Cardiff Metropolitan University (LLandaff)
    • Welsh College of Music & Drama
    • Cardiff University
    • Welsh Governmen

    To arrange a viewing please complete the contact form below to receive a call from one of our team.

    Rooms to Rent in Cardiff for Professionals, Australia Road, CF14 Bills & WiFi Included

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    Rooms to rent in Cardiff for professionals on Australia Road, Cardiff, CF14 3DB.  This Cardiff professional house share

    Bike Shed

    has recently undergone a major refurbishment and has the windows replaced throughout with modern uPVC as well as being decorated throughout.

    This house is ready to move into with 5 double rooms to rent in Cardiff and 1 single room and boasts a fully paved garden with washing line and rotary line, modern kitchen including 2 fridge freezers, washer/dryer, dishwasher 2 shower rooms and WCs.

    Showerroom

    All rooms have been professionally decorated with new carpets and are furnished with bed, mattress, wardrobe and chest of draws and super-fast fibre optic broadband.

    If you are looking to rent a room in Cardiff with plenty of local amenities and fantastic transport links into the city centre, then this Cardiff professional house share should not be missed!

    Kitchen 1

    Modern Kitchen

    Property Highlights

    • ***Super Fast 500Meg Broadband Included in Rent***
    • ***No Bond to Pay Subject to Satisfactory References***
    • ***New uPVC windows throughout***
    • ***New Carpets & Flooring***
    • ***Regular Cleaner Included***
    • ***Super-Fast Fibre Optic Broadband***
    • ***Walk to UHW***
    • ***15-20 Minute Walk to City Centre***
    • ***Great Transport Links***
    • ***Slabbed Garden***
    • ***Large Secure Bike Shed***

    Property Reference: 6ARCF141407

    • Room 1
    • Large Double Room (largest room in the house)
    • Located on the ground floor looking onto the garden
    • SORRY BUT THIS ROOM IS TAKEN
    • £500 PCM
    • No Bond to Pay Subject to Satisfactory References
    • Rent includes all bills & Wi-Fi
    • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, wardrobe & chest of draws
    20180704_150818.jpg
    • Room 2
    • Monthly Rent from £500 per calendar month
    • Large Double Room
    • Located on the ground floor at the front of the house
    • This Room is Taken
    • Rent includes all bills & 500Meg Broadband and Wi-Fi
    • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, wardrobe & chest of draws
    • 360 Degree Tour: Room 2
    • Room 3
    • Double Room
    • Located on the 1st floor in the rear annex of the property
    • This Room is Taken
    • Monthly Rent From £500 Per Calendar Month (Subject to References & Length of Stay)
    • Rent includes all bills and Wi-Fi
    • Located on 1st Floor annex over looking rear garden
    • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, wardrobe & chest of draws & desk
    • 360 Degree Room Tour: Room 3
    • Room 4
    • Large double room
    • SORRY BUT THIS ROOM IS TAKEN
    • Monthly Rent from £490 per calendar month
    • Rent includes all bills and Wi-Fi
    • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, wardrobe & chest of draws
    • Located on the 1st floor at the rear of the property
    • 360 Degree Tour: Room 4
    • Room 5
    • Large double room
    • SORRY BUT THIS ROOM IS TAKEN
    • Monthly Rent from £500per calendar month
    • Rent includes all bills and Wi-Fi
    • Room includes 4′ bed, mattress, wardrobe & chest of draws
    • Located on the 1st floor at the front of the property
    • 360 Degree Tour: Room 5
    • Room 6
    • Single Room
    • Available Now
    • Monthly Rent From £345 Per Calendar Month (Subject to Referencing & Length of Stay)
    • Located on the 1st floor at the front of the house
    • No Bond to Pay Subject to Satisfactory References
    • Rent includes all bills and Wi-Fi
    • Room includes single bed, mattress, large wardrobe & chest of draws
    • 360 Degree Tour: Single Room
    • Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/BJYSv
    • Number Rooms: 6
    • Rooms Available: 2
    • Room Type: 1 Single & 5 Doubles
    • Shower/Bathrooms: 2
    • WCs: 2
    • Tenants: 3 male & 1 female
    • Parking: Yes, on street parking
    • Garden: Yes
    • Bills Included: Yes
    • Cleaner: Yes, for communal areas

    What’s Local?

     Transport Links

    • Close to A48, A470 & M4
    • 15-20 minute walk to Cardiff City Centre
    • Numerous buses in to Cardiff City Centre via Whitchurch Road & North Road

     Local Employers

    • University Hospital Wales (UHW)
    • Companies House
    • BBC Llandaff
    • Cardiff Metropolitan University (LLandaff)
    • Welsh College of Music & Drama
    • Cardiff University
    • Welsh Government

    To arrange a viewing please complete the Tenant Registration form below.

    [

    Cardiff House Share, North Road, CF14 Bills & WiFi Included

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    100_0080
    Rooms to Rent in Cardiff Bills Included

    Rooms in Cardiff has a double room available in a Cardiff house share on North Road, CF14 3BJ.  This House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) was refurbished in June 2012 and has a large kitchen including 2 fridge freezers, dish washer and washer/dryer, 2 shower rooms and 2 separate WC’s.

    Rooms consists of a king-size bed, triple wardrobe, chest of draws and arm chair. If you are looking for space this property will not disappoint!

    Property Reference: 168NRCF141407

    • SORRY ALL ROOMS HAVE BEEN TAKEN
    • DSS, LHA  & Housing Benefit Accepted
    • Monthly Rent includes all bills & WiFi
    • Tenants only pay electric usage for individual rooms
    • Bond or Bond Certificate
    • Rooms Available: 1
    • Room Type: Double
    • Shower/Bathrooms: 2
    • WCs: 2
    • Parking: Yes
    • Garden: Yes

    What’s Local?

    • Sainsbury’s Local
    • COOP
    • Tesco Local
    • Tesco Extra
    • North Star Pub
    • The Heath Pub
    • Roath park
    • Numerous restaurants & takeaways

     Transport Links

    • Close to A48, A470 & M4
    • 15-20 minute walk to Cardiff City Centre
    • Numerous buses in to Cardiff City Centre via Whitchurch Road & North Road

     Local Employers

    • University Hospital Wales (UHW)
    • Companies House
    • BBC Llandaff
    • Cardiff Metropolitan University (LLandaff)
    • Welsh College of Music & Drama
    • Cardiff University
    • Welsh Government

    To arrange a viewing please complete the Tenant Registration from below.

    100_0075
    North Road, Cardiff, outside view

    HMO plans for Bangor slammed by the council

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    More council HMO bashing is taking place in Bangor, North Wales as a health authority plan to turn to two large buildings in Bangor into houses of multiple occupation (HMO) have been slammed by councillors.

    The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has submitted applications to change Bodfaen, on Craig y Don Road, into a seven-bedroom house of multiple occupancy (HMO), and 26 College Road into an eight-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO).

    The plans were discussed at a meeting of Bangor City Council’s planning and amenities committee last week and councillors immediately dismissed them as “disgraceful” and claimed developments such as this were turning Bangor into “a ghetto”.

    The city council has been very clear on its policy on HMOs with many recommended for refusal due to reasons such as over-development of the sites.

    Cllr June Marshall said: “Plans for a HMO in Garth were refused and we need to be careful because we don’t want entire streets which are HMOs.

    “I am very happy to propose this application is refused.”

    Cllr John Wynn Jones said: “There is an effect on society if there are too many HMOs.

    “It is very irresponsible (of the health board) – I think it’s disgraceful.

    “I think we should write to them and ask them what their intentions are.”

    Cllr Derek Hainge, chairman of the committee, asked councillors about writing to the health board and ask them if they are turning the city “into a ghetto”.

    Cllr Keith Marshall said: “They should turn it (Bodfaen) into a family house and then put it on the market.

    Town clerk Gwyn Hughes said he was concerned over parking amenities for the two sites and also stated his continued concerns over the amount of HMO applications the council was receiving.

    Councillors voted unanimously to recommend rejection for the two applications which will now go before Gwynedd Council’s planning committee.

    A spokesman for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “We can confirm that Change of Use applications have been submitted to Gwynedd County Council Planning Service for two properties which are to be vacated shortly due to the transfer of staff to other health board sites in Bangor.

    “The Health Board will respond to any material objections raised as part of the normal planning process; our understanding from Gwynedd County Council is that no objections have been received by them to-date.”

    Rooms in Cardiff is a provider of landlord services across Cardiff and South Wales specialising in multi let property, Student housing, professional house share and house of multiple occupancy (HMO) and offer the following services:

    Rooms to Rent in Cardiff  £120 Fixed Fee Tenant Finder (No Tenant No Fee)

    Property Listing page to advertise your available rooms on Spareroom, EasyRoomMate, Gumtree and Zoopla until let for one Fixed Price.

    HMO Rent Guarantee No Void Periods & No Fees

    You can contact Rooms in Cardiff via email info@RoomsInCardiff.co.uk

    Telephone 0845 496 0000

    or by completing the form below to arrange a call from one of our team.

    HMO Landlord Fined for Unsafe, Overcrowded and Unlicensed Luton Property

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    Another HMO Landlord added to our “rogue Landlord” feature, a useful guide of how not to go about managing a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and multi let portfolio.

    HMO Landlord Khaled Ahmed, 36, failed to attend Luton Magistrates Court on 15 October where he was ordered to pay nearly £53,000 for operating an unlicensed, unsafe and overcrowded House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

    This Luton HMO Landlord has gone for the hat-trick by managing a unsafe, overcrowded and unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and following a number of complaints from tenants living at the property at 35 Dunraven Avenue, officers from the Council’s Private Sector Housing team carried out an inspection of the eight-bedroom, four-storey house where a number of health and safety breaches were found the most serious being structure altered internally causing a number of potentially fatal fire safety hazards.

    This rogue HMO Landlord provided poorly sub-divided rooms to gain additional smaller bedrooms so more people could live there. One bedroom measured just five square metres as well as a young female student living in the attic space, which could only be accessed by an unstable staircase, without windows, ventilation or heating. Other hazards related to obstructed fire exits, accumulations of rubbish, lack of fire doors, and lack of fire alarms and disrepair to the property.

    The Magistrate described the property as a ‘death trap’ run for commercial gain and convicted Mr Ahmed for all breaches.

    Mr Ahmed was fined £15,000 for failing to licence the property, a further £4,000 for each of the nine breaches of the Management of House in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006 which totalled a further £36,000 and a £15 victim surcharge. The Council was also awarded £1,957 costs. Total fines and costs amounted to £52,957 which is one of the highest fines recorded in Luton.

    As a further consequence the tenants can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for a Rent Repayment Order to claim back all rent paid for the past 12 months.

    When handing out the fines, the Court also took into account that Mr Ahmed had taken over £22,500 in rent and deposits from tenants.

    Cllr Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for housing, said: “This is one of the worse cases we have ever seen with tenants being subjected to dangerous and potentially life threatening conditions. What makes it worse is that the actions of the landlord were deliberate and purely for commercial gain.

    “I am glad that  substantial fines were imposed, as this serves as a strong warning to any other landlord who thinks they can get away with this illegal behaviour. HMOs need to be licensed to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of the occupants and to prevent them living in overcrowded conditions with insufficient facilities.”

    “The Council takes the condition of the private rented sector very seriously and we have recently embarked on a programme of inspecting all Houses in Multiple Occupation within Luton. We will not hesitate to take further court action should any other offences be committed.”

    Anyone living near or knowing of such a property which they believe to be an unlicensed HMO should contact the council on 01582 54 72 22 or email HMO.Hotline@luton.gov.uk.

    Rooms in Cardiff is a provider of landlord services across Cardiff and South Wales specialising in multi let property, Student housing, professional house share and house of multiple occupancy (HMO) and offer the following services:

    Rooms to Rent in Cardiff  £120 Fixed Fee Tenant Finder (No Tenant No Fee)

    Property Listing page to advertise your available rooms on Spareroom, EasyRoomMate, Gumtree and Zoopla until let for one Fixed Price.

    HMO Rent Guarantee No Void Periods & No Fees

    You can contact Rooms in Cardiff via email info@RoomsInCardiff.co.uk

    Telephone 0845 496 0000

    or by completing the form below to arrange a call from one of our team.