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Midlands council to discuss crackdown on bad HMOs

West Northamptonshire Council is meeting with cabinet members next Tuesday to decide how to crack down on unregulated and poorly managed HMOs.

HMOs have become a controversial topic in Northampton, as investors have been buying properties and renting them out on a major scale, apparently after attending a crash course on how to do so in London (Northamptonshire Telegraph).

In response, a cross-party HMO working group has been established, which has made a number of proposals in how to improve conditions in the region.

As it stands there is an additional licensing scheme which runs until 2025 and covers HMOs. However a new selective licensing scheme which is being mooted would cover all kinds of rented homes, if that was introduced.

Cllr Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure, said: “West Northamptonshire Council recognises that similarly to many other areas across the country, HMOs and how they operate are a cause for concern for many residents.

“HMOs form part of the overall housing supply across West Northants and are particularly beneficial for people on low incomes, key workers and students – but they must be licensed and managed properly.

“Through the cross party Member Working Group we have had an opportunity to hear from a wide range of people and organisations to gain an understanding of the issues surrounding HMOs and the choices available to us. These proposals aim to further equip the Council to protect tenants, support landlords and make our neighbourhoods more pleasant for everyone.”

Proposals put forward in the plan include:
• tackling litter and rubbish generated by HMOs
• monitoring general maintenance of properties
• reviewing room sizes and amenities for tenants
• maintaining a register of licensed HMOs
• enforcement action against unlicensed HMOs
• reviewing the Housing regulatory regime; including the Council’s Additional HMO and Selective Licensing Regimes
• ensuring information is available to local communities via the Council website

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