Letting agency told to stop using property as HMO

A LETTING agency which was told to stop using a terraced property as a house of multiple occupation (HMO) said it was being offered as an Airbnb, despite a “student let” sign above the front door.

- RICHARD YOULE

Swan Sales and Lettings had received an enforcement notice from Swansea Council in May last year saying it appeared there had been a material change of use of the residential property to an HMO for eight people without planning permission.

The council said this unauthorised use did not provide satisfactory living conditions due to a lack of outlook and light for two of the bedrooms and had a detrimental impact on road safety and parking.

Enforcement officers said the agency must cease HMO use within three months but it appealed, saying the breach alleged by the council had not taken place because the property was being used as a short-term Airbnb let.

A Welsh Government-appointed planning inspector visited the house on Bryn Road, Brynmill, in March this year and upheld the council’s enforcement action.