New Government HMO Proposals Met With Anger

New proposals from the government to prevent excessive numbers of HMO property (house of multiple occupation) have caused anger amongst many landlords organisations as well as student bodies.

The proposals indicate that the government want to regulate more the number of HMO properties, specifically properties with 6 or more people, in a bid to reduce some of the perceived issues this accommodation is associated with.  These perception include general anti social behaviour, litter, noise and the 'ghost town' effect that student holidays can cause. 

New proposals put forward nby ministers aim to reduce student accommodation in some residential areas but as the NLA highlights, the proposals will effect other renters too including immigrants and young workers.  The new measures will use property planning laws to reduce and control HMO accommodation.

However, many local communities would be massively effected by the changes.  Many businesses have been built up to service student and young professional areas and many services have been created around them too.  The NUS oppose the suggested changes and claim that changes made along similar lines in Northern Ireland, ultimately failed.

HMO property can be difficult to convert into alternative uses which may significantly influence local housing markets if the move goes ahead.