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Portsmouth Landlords Rally Behind PDPLA Chairman Amid Calls for Resignation

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Portsmouth landlords are rallying to support Martin Silman, Chairman of the Portsmouth & District Private Landlord Association (PDPLA), after a councillor called for his resignation following his criticism of the conduct of councillors at a recent City Council planning meeting.  

 Vice Chairman Alwin Oliver stated, "Martin Silman enjoys our full support and was right to call out the conduct of councillors at the meeting. As an association, we have always strived for positive and proactive relations with Portsmouth City Council. However, it is precisely for this reason that it is even more important to speak out when decision-makers fall short of the standards expected of those in public life." He continued, "On this occasion, it is clear the public has been badly let down."

Oliver explained, "Martin spoke out when one of our members was a victim of a public order offence in the council chamber after making a deputation. Martin Silman has been criticized by several councillors for raising concerns about possible violence towards people who live in or manage HMOs due to comments made by some councillors. He is being asked to resign because he expressed concern that the demonization of HMOs, their landlords, and occupants by certain councillors is whipping up hatred of this group in general."

Cllr. Madgwick defended the councillors' anti-HMO stance by suggesting that "they are only wanting to protect family homes, lower crime, keep streets cleaner/safer, reduce sewage issues, and reduce parking problems." However, this statement insinuates that HMOs and their occupants are a danger to society, which is inflammatory.

The PDPLA and its members fully endorse and support the comments of their chairperson. Many members agree that history shows the dangers when those in power demonize a particular sector of society. What we need is constructive debate about the wide range of issues related to housing and the problems that can come with some HMOs. We do not need for the rest to be tarred with the same brush as the worst examples.

All the evidence points to the fact that, since 2011, there have been far more shared houses and rooms taken out of the market for low-income single people and offered instead to the family market than family houses being converted to HMOs. The voiceless residents of Portsmouth without families need somewhere to live too.

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About the author

Martin Silman

Martin began his landlord journey 30 years ago, while working in an international role for a global telecommunications company. Since retiring he has extended his portfolio, which he manages with his wife, but has always focussed on the ‘small student HMO’ sector preferring to offer homes in the community for small groups to the more common ‘pack them in and take the money’ mentality. He has chaired the PDPLA for the past 12 years and has overseen the Associations transition from small local self-help group to a much larger and more professional institution which is recognised and listened to nationally. Alongside his PDPLA role, he also has leadership roles in a number of other local organisations – bringing his unique perspective, driving for change and increased use of technology while respecting the history that brought us here.

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