Flintshire Council proposes tighter HMO controls to address issues
Tighter controls could be imposed on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Flintshire to address anti-social behaviour and improve living conditions.
The latest Welsh Government figures estimate there are currently around 400 properties in the county that have been converted from family homes into HMOs.
However, only 14 HMOs in the area are controlled by a national licensing scheme to ensure they are managed by a “fit and proper” person and have adequate fire safety arrangements in place.
The measures apply to properties with five or more occupants, of three or more storeys or formed from two or more households at present.
Flintshire Council is now considering introducing an additional licensing scheme to cover all HMOs in the county, including smaller ones.
It follows complaints from community leaders in towns such as Shotton, where there is a large concentration of HMOs, and problems have been reported with parking, anti-social behaviour and rubbish left in the street.
A senior official said in a report that the scheme would be aimed at raising living standards for tenants and ensure landlords comply with legislation.
Andrew Farrow, Flintshire’s chief officer for planning, economy and environment, said: “The effective and efficient management of the private rented sector, and in particular HMO properties, has many benefits.
“It is anticipated that additional licensing could ensure greater compliance with legal housing requirements.
“Smaller HMOs, at present, only come to the attention of the housing enforcement team when either a complaint is made about the property, or concern is raised by other professionals.
“Such a scheme could also identify where such properties are located in the county, which could assist wider policy development in areas such as planning.
“Introducing additional licensing will help support the council’s aim to support the private sector to raise standards in the management and condition of housing and promote tenancy sustainment in our communities.”
Extra money has been included in the council’s budget to recruit new officers to implement the scheme.
A public consultation will also need to be carried out before additional licensing measures can be introduced.
Mr Farrow added: “For the reasons outlined above, it is recommended that the additional licensing of HMOs is carried out across the whole county of Flintshire.
“This is because Flintshire has a wide and varied housing stock of HMOs throughout the county.
“The most common hazards relate to damp and mould growth, fire, domestic hygiene, pests and refuse, electrical hazards and excess cold.”
Members of Flintshire’s environment and economy scrutiny committee will be asked to support launching the consultation when they meet on Tuesday (October 8, 2024).
By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter
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