Landlord lobby kicks off online HMO protest

Landlord lobby kicks off online HMO protest

19:18 PM, 19th March 2011, About 13 years ago 2

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Landlord lobbyists have launched an online toolkit to help property investors protest against councils proposing to take on extra powers to control shared homes.

The Residential Landlords Association has put together information about the 15 councils bidding to take on the extra powers so landlords can mount a concerted effort against the proposals.

The online toolkit includes details of where the councils intend to control shared house development plus template letters to local councillors.

The action is to fight councils taking on ‘article 4 directions’ that let them impose tighter controls on landlords opening new houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

The direction concerns special powers that force landlords to apply for planning permission before they can rent a shared home.

Councils argue that too many shared houses in an area can bring problems like crowded parking, litter and noise and that tightly managing applications for new shared houses lets them create higher standards for tenants and their neighbours.

The RLA claims taking on article 4 powers is the wrong approach and will bring down property prices and restrict the availability of housing.

“Article 4 Directions affect small HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) with 3-6 people. Just the sort of houses or flats which can be used by families OR young people,” says the RLA web site.

“Shared houses and flats are popular with young people because they provide affordable housing. Young people are valuable to the local economy – they use the shops, pubs, takeaways and cafes and restaurants. Drive them away and the businesses will go too.”

Councils that have announced their intentions to take on article 4 powers include:

• Bath
• Bournemouth
• Brighton
• Bristol
• Canterbury
• Charnwood (Loughborough, Leicestershire)
• Durham
• Exeter
• Leeds
• Manchester
• Milton Keynes
• Newcastle-up-Tyne
• Northampton
• Oxford
• Portsmouth
• Preston
• Redbridge (Ilford, East London)
• Sheffield
• Thanet (Margate, Kent)



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Comments

21:16 PM, 23rd March 2011, About 13 years ago

Out of interest I notice that Hull hasn't made this list but it was reported to be taking such action in one of your earlier articles. As I remember it the article said that councils had to undergo a year long consultation period prior to adopting such powers. I'd be interested to know if the above list are undergoing this 'consultation' period or wether they have already 'emerged' at the other side.

Thanks
Calum

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

10:07 AM, 24th March 2011, About 13 years ago

Hi Calum

If you are in any doubt as to what your Council is planning just write to them. You have the right to know under the freedom of information act.

Regards

Mark

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