The Landlords Union “Press Liaison” Questions HMO Minimum Room Size Impact Assessment

The Landlords Union “Press Liaison” Questions HMO Minimum Room Size Impact Assessment

11:49 AM, 8th May 2018, About 6 years ago 109

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We were recently approached by a landlord of a four bedroom HMO property whose Local Authority had contacted her to remind of the approaching restrictions on minimum room sizes. One of this landlords bedrooms was slightly below the 6.51 sq metre limitation, which becomes effective from 1st October under  ‘ The Licensing of Homes in Multiple Occupation ( Mandatory Conditions of Licensing ) Regulations, 2018.

The landlord’s options are quite limited. She will have to serve a Section 21 Notice on the tenant of the smaller bedroom, who, hitherto, has been content with this accommodation for the level of rent paid. Its worth pointing out that so too were the Local Authority, as there is ample residual living space in the rest of the property.

Also, and as a consequence, the rent for the remaining three tenants will have to increase to the maximum that the market rate can bear. This will be more than currently payable, but no doubt still at some loss to the landlord.

Interestingly, there is a detailed 22 page Impact Assessment published by MHCLG, albeit omitting the number of units of accommodation that are foreseen to be lost by this legislation, the amount of rental increase other tenants in the property will incur and the resultant financial loss to landlords from rent not recoverable.

We have written to Cynthia Brathwaite , the author of the Impact Assessment to ask:-

  1. How many units of accommodation are expected to be lost, and
  2. What impact the reduction in units of accommodation will have financially on landlord and tenants?

Unbelievably, the Impact Assessment Report makes no reference to these fundamental issues!

It is suspected the reasons these factors are not covered is because the government believe, naively, that Landlords will just downsize without financial compensation and suffer the loss of rent ‘on the chin’ together with the license fee.

[ The above links to another piece of work about the causes of rent increases, soon to be published. Watch this space! ]

Whilst we are waiting for a response to the fundamental questions raised, it would be useful if members have any similar experiences that publicise in regards to “true consequences”. Please post comments below or email Press@Property118.com


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B4lamb

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7:59 AM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

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TheMaluka

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8:38 AM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by B4lamb at 06/07/2018 - 07:59
Government and local authorities between them seem to be doing everything in their power to increase rents and decrease availability. Well done, this is just what is needed in the middle of a housing crisis.

B4lamb

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9:11 AM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

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Andrew

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9:42 AM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

There cannot be a housing crisis if the government is going to make me evict tenants from a room that they feel is too small. They would defiantly prefer a room in my property instead of a park bench or a street doorway.

TheMaluka

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9:50 AM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Andrew at 06/07/2018 - 09:42
Andrew you sound just like the sort of person to buy shares in my park bench manufacturing company.

Dan G

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9:59 AM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

I agree with all however we are the minority and comments on here are futile.
The government have handed powers to the local councils but neither have any or very little experience in this sector, also looking at who is exempt from these rules in the licensing papers, top of the list is the bloody council themselves so how can they put people in small rooms but we can not! Hypocritical to say the least.
Are we all going to raise a petition?
Are we going to protest or take some sort of action that gets our voices heard?
Even a face book campaign !

B4lamb

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10:28 AM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

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TheMaluka

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10:33 AM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Dan G at 06/07/2018 - 09:59
For once a serious reply from me, it is generally my ironic comments that allow me to vent my feelings and remain sane!

This government is doing all in its power to reduce the quantity of accommodation available to rent or buy, its actions have been recorded many times on this site. As landlords we have to weather the storm and wait. Already I am being approached by charities and Local Authorities, particularly those in London, seeking property and offering substantial Golden Hellos and guaranteed rent. It is only a matter of time before the authorities, local and central, come begging to landlords for help. 'Hang on in' as the expression goes for soon it will be landlords dictating terms, some have predicted ten years, my prediction is two years at most as on a small scale it is already happening.

Do nothing but wait for the fan to start rotating‽

Kathy Evans

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16:29 PM, 6th July 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by terry sullivan at 04/06/2018 - 11:07
And it makes more sense to pass right hand to right hand as you can then dismount from your horse onto the kerb - not into the middle of the road and your sword (since more people are right-handed) is well placed for attacking or defending against someone coming towards you. Pfft! Cars ...

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