Changes are on the way in some areas, with the way that local councils monitor and manage the Houses in Multiple Occupation in their area. This could affect many more landlords than expected, as many landlords may not even be aware that they have a HMO or that the rules apply to them, but would still be liable to the fines for non compliance.
In certain areas across the country, local councils are "opting in"
Up until now HMO's only need planning consent, in most jurisdictions, if they are over 6 occupants, and they would require licensing if the property is 3 storeys's in height and has 6 or more unrelated occupants residing in the premises, with shared facilities. From April 2010 however, local councils can if they wish elect to impose Article 4 legislation and insist on landlords obtaining planning consent before operating any HMO property(3 or more non related people living in a property with shared facilities). The classifications for a property as far as planning is concerned, would need to be changed from a dwelling house (Class C3) to a House in Multiple Occupation (a ‘small HMO' ? Class C4), Existing shared houses have established use and are not affected.
As Article 4 is optional it may not be implemented by all local authorities, but according to ARLA it ?is more likely to be enforced in areas with a high density of smaller and larger HMO properties ? for example in city centres or new style chocolate uggs australia boot for sale where there are student communities.
This will have quite far reaching problems for new style chocolate uggs australia boot for sale potential landlords and the future housing stock in many areas. At a time when more and more people are turning to house shares to provide a solution to the current housing shortage, singular lifestyles and increasing living costs, this could lead to a lot less HMO's being developed for a market in desperate need of more housing stock.
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