This Blog is prompted by the situation regarding HMOs in Brighton and Hove. However before Letting Agents in other areas switch off, there are issues of relevance for all of you in this situation.
Brightonand Hove Council has issued a direction relating to development comprising change of use from a Class C3 (dwelling house) to a Class C4 (house in multiple occupation).
Effectively, the direction proposes that no such change will be allowed in five wards of the city from 5th April 2013 without planning permission. This means that anyone wanting to let out a family home to three or more people comprising at least two households (i.e. at least one of the tenants is unrelated to the other two) will need to obtain such permission to do so.
The Council is however prepared to consider representations which can be made between 20th April and 20th July 2012 through the Council website: http://consult.brighton-hove.gov.uk/public/bhcc/planning/shmo/smallhmos.
Local Authorities around the country are becoming more active around the country in policing the provisions relating to HMO’s as laid down in the Housing Act 2004. In addition, it is now easier for Local Authorities to increase licensing to additional categories of HMO.
Oxford City Council has perhaps been pre-eminent in introducing a strict requirement for licensing. However, we are hearing anecdotally of strict and wide-ranging requirements being introduced by many authorities.
What is happening or about to happen within your local authority?

