January 28 2010

England’s Planning Minister John Healey is to give local council’s new powers to curtail the growth of houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs).

Some local authorities had voiced concern about a growing proportion of HMOs, particularly in student areas, which can exacerbate problems of noise, traffic and litter whilst reducing the stock of affordable family housing.

Thus from April landlords will need to apply for planning permission when adapting a property from a family home to shared occupancy. Councils will also be granted greater flexibility when licensing landlords.

In addition a clear definition of what constitutes an HMO will be used across planning, housing and environmental health legislation.

Detailed work is currently underway on a National Landlords Register to provide landlords and tenants easy access to advice and support.

In Scotland licensing laws require HMO landlords to obtain a permit as proof of compliance with minimum standards of  space, heating, fire safety, condition and facilities.

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