HMO War Stories
Having recently stopped managing HMOs – I can only say I timed it well, given the war stories I have heard this month from associates in the area...
Who would believe it?
- A property which comprises 2 AirBnB holiday lets and 2 single occupier flats which was converted in the 1990's so a '257' by all accounts. Does it need a licence? Well, we know holiday lets are exempt and a building occupied by only 2 people is not an HMO so to all accounts, no need but everything is so confusing in that area, my fellow agent has advised his client to apply for a licence 'just in case'.
- And the Planning Committee refusal of a change of use from C3 (family house) to 7-bed/7-person HMO at Merrivale Road last month because of concerns about drainage and "Following testimony of the adjoining neighbour, there is a reasonable belief that the proposal would result in an increased risk of crime…"- so HMO tenants are all criminals now in the eyes of PCC? And this was after "The Legal advisor advised that the representations relating to fear of crime were personal, and although important to the individual, are not material or sustainable at appeal and would be likely to attract an award of costs against the Council." Utter lunacy.
- Another agent, when talking about HMO inspections by a local authority left me aghast when he said, "They have stood down on many things after I dispute them but they are not responding to my written disputes/arguments nor do they seem willing to provide the justifications/calculations when requested - they simply ignore me with zero response. They then just sign it off on the re-inspection when they return to check works and saying it's now passed in person"
Like I said, am really glad I recently stepped away from HMOs - just too much hassle for too little return (which is a shame, as most of the tenants are lovely and a dream to work with..)