Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities written question – answered at on 22 July 2022.
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of Houses of Multiple Occupancy regulations on the ability of private renters to access affordable accommodation; and what steps he is taking to increase the availability of regulated multiple occupancy private accommodation.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are a valuable part of the housing market, particularly for tenants who may not have the opportunity or ability to rent a single-family home. All HMOs are subject to management regulations which impose duties on managers. Duties include adequate means of escape and other fire precautions, maintaining services such as electrics, gas and water supplies. There has been no formal assessment of the impact of HMO regulations on access to affordable accommodation.
Under national permitted development rights a dwelling house (a standard home) is able to change use to a smaller HMO for up to six people sharing facilities without the need for a planning application. This enables the change of use without placing unnecessary burdens on landlords and local planning authorities.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.