We are continuing to update our on-line application process .

We have new forms becoming available that are integrated into Paypal, so you will be able to commence the application process online after viewing a property

for more information please go to  applicant page

However, there is a surcharge for this method as we are charged accordingly.

Our normal method of payment is by way of cash, cheque, banker’s draft and standing order – no surcharge.

If you wisah to pay by this method, please enter the details accordingly – the charge is 3.4%  of the transaction. Please add this to the amount to be credited

Rent for<insert property name>

Enter your name

Don’t forget the 3.4% transaction charge

Payment online

We accept the payment by this method on the following terms

If a payment is made that subsequently is reversed in anyway, a reasonable handling charge will be made to the tenant.

The tenant will be liable for the rent when it originally fell due and will be treated in the same way as non payment of rent, thus placing the tenant in breach of the terms of this agreement.

We reserve the right to withdraw this method of payment should the system be abused or become ineffective in a way of collecting rent.

Any under payment will add interest as per the tenancy agreement

Web terms and conditions can be found on the appropriate page

Please enter name and address in the provided fields

Houses in Multiple Occupation

The Minister for Housing and Local Government (The Rt Hon Grant Shapps): Today I am announcing the Government’s intention to amend the planning rules for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) which were introduced on 6 April 2010.

I understand the concerns of local people who see their neighbourhoods being damaged by undue concentrations of HMOs and the significant impact this is having on their quality of life.  However there are also many areas where HMOs are not causing problems and indeed provide an important supply of low cost housing.  I believe that the planning system needs to take account of both these differing circumstances and allow for local solutions rather than continue with the present ‘one size fits all’ approach.

The current rules impose a blanket requirement for planning permission in order to change use from a domestic house to a HMO.  When introduced, it was estimated that these rules could result in an additional 8,500 planning applications per year and could lead to a reduction in supply.  This goes against the recommendations in successive reports on the planning system that Government should reduce the number of planning applications for minor development.  It also runs the risk of losing low cost housing in areas where it is needed most.

I believe that we need to move away from this kind of centralised, regulatory approach which has dominated planning in recent years and create a system which encourages local people to take responsibility for shaping their communities.  Decisions should reflect local priorities expressed through the local plan, rather than nationally imposed rules.

I therefore intend to amend the HMO rules to allow changes of use between family houses and small, shared houses to take place freely without the need for planning applications. However, in those areas experiencing problems with uncontrolled HMO development, local authorities will be able to use their existing direction making powers to restrict this freedom of movement by requiring planning applications.  This change will allow the free development of smaller shared housing, which is a vital component of our private rented sector, unless there is a serious threat to the area.

My officials will work through the detail of the proposed changes with interested partners to ensure that the new rules work for local people without placing an unnecessary burden on businesses.

My aim is to have the revised arrangements in place by 1 October 2010.

Michael G. Lewis & Son are in support of tighter controls of the Private Sector, and are proud to be associated with the professional bodies of NAEA and ARLA.

Rob Lewis is an Honoured Fellow of NAEA and was one of the first in the country to pass the Technical Award in Residential Letting and Management

Michael G. Lewis & Son are covered by Client Money Protection insurance safeguarding landlord’s and tenant’s money – somthing that not all Swansea Letting Agents have. Many of the Swansea’s new agents are NOT Regulated at all and therefore your money is NOT safe.

ONLY use an Approved  Letting Agent

TWO Swansea landlords have been prosecuted for failing to licence their rental properties.

Thomas Barry Davies, of Alan Road, Llandeilo, and Paul David Evans, of Killan Road, Dunvant, Swansea, both failed to licence houses they let out as houses in multiple occupation, or HMOs.

Evans pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court to failing to license a house in Woodlands Terrace, Mount Pleasant, and was fined £500, with costs of £445 for the council. Davies pleaded guilty in relation to two HMOs in Mount Pleasant — one in Cromwell Street, and another in Norfolk Street. He was fined a total of £1,250 with £1,056 in council costs.

Swansea Council confirmed it had now received applications to licence the properties.

The council’s director of the environment, Reena Owen, said the authority had successfully prosecuted 11 landlords for failing to licence their HMOs since 2006.

“We want to ensure that HMOs are of a good standard and well managed so that they provide safe and secure homes for tenants,” she said.

“We know there are lots of good landlords who manage their properties well and comply with legal requirements, but we will continue to use the full powers of the Housing Act for those who flout the law.”

More on HMO licensing can be found here

Please note that these landlords were not clients of MGLS Michael G. Lewis & Son