HMO rules scrapped

Plans by the new coalition government to scrap planning rules for homes in multiple occupation (HMOs) have been welcomed by many in the industry.

It had been expected that as many as 8,500 applications a year could come before council planning committees if every landlord seeking to establish an HMO was required to seek permission, as under the Labour plan. New housing minister Grant Shapps, however, has said councils can choose to limit the planning requirements to areas where HMOs are causing a problem.

David Salusbury, Chairman, National Landlord’s Association, said:
“It is clear this Government understands the contribution landlords make to providing decent and affordable accommodation across the UK. Unnecessary costs and red tape only serve to detract from this core activity and we welcome moves to tackle such disincentives to further investment.

“The change in the law for shared housing was rushed. As a result, its implementation by councils has created uncertainty and confusion. We are pleased to see the new Government responding to calls to rethink these unnecessary planning burdens on landlords.

“It is important local authorities continue to engage with landlord organisations like the NLA to help tackle the problems associated with some HMOs, rather than trying to impose rules across the board which seriously limit this much needed form of housing.”

Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, added:

“Grant Shapps has taken quick and decisive action after this law was rushed through in April without sufficient clarification. At a time when council resource is scarce and housing is needed it makes no sense to be forcing thousands of local landlords and planning officers to be engaged in unnecessary bureaucracy. The Minister said last week that deregulation would characterise his approach to the private rented sector and as with other moves to cut red tape, these are further welcome steps.”