Private Housing Enforcement
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
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What is a house in multiple occupation (HMO)?
Do all houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) have to be licensed?
What about homes that are not affected by licensing?
What is a house in multiple occupation (HMO)?
Under the new legislation, an HMO is a property that is:-
- Occupied by 3 or more people, forming 2 or more households, sharing amenities e.g. bathroom and kitchen facilities, or
- Converted into self-contained flats, but does not meet the requirements of the 1991 Building Regulations and at least one third of the flats are privately rented, or
- Occupied by 3 or more people, forming 2 or more households, in a converted building that is not entirely self-contained e.g. a basement flat with shared accommodation in a maisonette at ground and first/second floor levels.
What is a single household?
Section 258 of the Housing Act 2004 says, to count as a single household, persons must be members of the same family. This includes;
- Married couples, or those living as husband and wife, including those in an equivalent same sex relationship or
- One of them is a relative of the other
‘Relative’ includes parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece or cousin and half relatives, step-children and foster children.
A single household also includes any domestic staff if they are living rent free in accommodation provided by their employer.
Do all houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) have to be licensed?
No.
HMOs made up of self contained flats don’t need a license.
The Housing Act 2004 says that certain types of larger HMOs must be licensed – this is Mandatory Licensing.
Mandatory Licensing
This covers HMOs that are:
- Three or more storeys high and,
- Are occupied by 5 or more persons who do not form a single household.
How do I apply for a licence?
If your property is already registered under our existing scheme, we will have your details and will contact you. Your property will be ‘passported’ across to HMO licensing. You will automatically receive a licence which will last for the remainder of the registration period.
New applicants should contact the Private sector housing team for an application pack.
Register of licensed HMO's
Blackpool Farm, Blackpool Bridge, Narberth, SA67 8BL
- Number of storeys: 3
- Maximum number of occupants: 12 persons
- Licence issued: 11/8/2022
- Licence expires: 10/8/2027
- Licence holder: Bluestone Resorts Ltd., The Grange, Canaston, Wood, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8DE
Melbourne House, Main Street, Pembroke, SA71 4HL
- Number of storeys: 3
- Maximum number of occupants: 19 persons
- Licence issued: 19/7/2023
- Licence expires: 18/7/2028
- Licence holder: Mr Ieuan Evans, St Michaels House, Treffgarne, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 5PH
23 Hill Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 1QH
- Number of storeys: 3
- Maximum number of occupants: 20 persons
- Licence issued: 1/12/2023
- Expires: 30/11/2028
- Licence holder: Mr Justin Scale, Capestone Farm, Walwyns Castle, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 3DY
Nelson Guest House, 3 Goat Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 1PX
- Number of storeys: 3
- Maximum number of occupants: 15 persons
- Licence issued: 1/12/2023
- Expires: 30/11/2028
- Licence holder: Mr Barry White, 237A High Greave, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S5 9GS
14 Gloucester Terrace, Haverfordwest, SA61 2JJ
- Number of storeys: 3
- Maximum number of occupants: six persons
- Licence issued: 7/10/2022
- Licence expires: 6/10/2027
- Licence holder: Adferiad Recovery Ltd., Ty Dafydd Alun, 36 Princes Drive, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 8LA
35 London Road, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6DS
- Number of storeys: 3
- Maximum number of occupants: 10 persons
- Licence issued: 9/5/2024
- Licence expires: 8/5/2029
- Licence holder: Mr David Walker, Pinewood, Park Road, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7NF
Penydre, Saundersfoot, SA69 9JE
- Number of storeys: 3
- Maximum number of occupants: six persons
- Licence issued: 5/7/2024
- Licence expires: 4/7/2029
- Licence holder: Mr Jeremy Mannings, Penydre, Saundersfoot, SA69 9JE
Manor House, Lydstep Beach Holiday Village, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7SB
- Number of storeys: 3
- Maximum number of occupants: eight persons
- Licence issued: 2/1/2025
- Licence expires: 1/1/2030
- Licence holder: Ms Clare Watkins, General Manager, Lydstep Beach Holiday Village, Lydstep, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7SB
What about HMOs that are not affected by licensing?
All HMOs, regardless of size or location, must still meet minimum fire safety standards. Please contact the Private sector housing team for further information.
How do I find out more?
If you would like to find out more or require any advice, please contact;
Private Sector Housing
01437 764551