Houses of Multiple Occupation come under Government review

The government has begun a review aimed at improving the management of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and the conditions of people living in them.

It follows concerns over the so called 'studentification' of many towns and cities which have reported an increasing number of empty properties when universities are closed during the summer months. Many shops, pubs and businesses close down during the quiet periods creating 'ghost towns'.

The Department for Communities and Local Government believes that too many HMOs in one area can have a negative impact on local public services and reduce the opportunities for low-cost home ownership. It says that some campaigners want to limit the number of HMOs through the use of restraining policies such as refusing planning permission for change of use to an HMO once a certain concentration is reached in an area.

In order to do this there would need to be a clearer definition of HMO for planning purposes.

The review will try to identify good practice ideas in areas which are coping well with high concentration of HMOs and see whether those ideas could be applied to areas experiencing difficulties. It will also examine whether planning policies can provide a suitable way to tackle these problems.

Launching the review, Housing Minister Caroline Flint said: "It is not acceptable that in too many areas people living in HMOs and local communities alike are having their quality of life affected. We must have balanced, sustainable communities where settled communities can live side by side with those in HMOs.

"The new HMO licensing scheme and tenancy deposit schemes are already making a difference but I want to know what more we can do to provide the right housing in the right place, guarantee proper living conditions for all, and ensure our towns are places people want to live and work in over the long term."

The new review will be combined with the Private Rented Sector review announced in January to look into standards of accommodation and the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.

We shall keep clients informed of developments.