Licensing of houses in multiple occupation - Housing Act 2004
The Housing Act 2004 came into effect on 30 June 2006 in Wales. It introduced major changes relating to the licensing and definition of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and for assessing property conditions for all privately rented properties.
Mandatory licensing of HMOs
Legislation contained in Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 means that from 30 June 2006 it is a legal requirement for owners of certain HMOs to apply to the council for a licence. Failure to do so is an offence.
For further information on mandatory licensing, including guidance and application forms, please follow the ‘housing in mulitple occupation’ link.
Housing Health and Safety Rating system (HHSRS)
The HHSRS is a risk assessment tool used to assess potential risks to the health and safety of occupants in all privately rented properties. The HHSRS replaces the previous housing fitness standard contained in section 604 of the 1985 Housing Act.
National Landlords Association Information Service
The National Landlords Association (NLA) has set up an email and telephone information service to help landlords understand the housing act. Landlords wishing to use this service can email housingact2004@landlords.org.uk for answers to frequently-asked questions and links to documents relating to the new act. Those without access to email can ring 0845 052 9473 (local rate).
