Concerns in Plymouth over shared properties

Calls to ensure HMO's in one area is less than 10 per cent

Concerns have been raised over the growing numbers of Plymouth properties turning into houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs).

An HMO is a property where at least three tenants live in more than one household and where there are usually shared toilets, bathrooms or kitchens.

A motion to be discussed at a full council meeting on Monday will call for clear guidelines on how to ensure the proportion of HMOs in any one area isn’t more than 10 per cent. 

The motion, being brought by Labour councillor for Drake, Charlotte Holloway, suggests such housing has placed burdens on parking, waste collection and street cleanliness.

It is claimed parts of Drake, Compton and St Peter & The Waterfront wards have been particularly affected by the growth in HMOs.

Cllr Holloway said: “As a city, we’ve allowed changes in house use to incrementally develop over time without properly assessing the impact it has on local residents, as well as assuring the quality of housing that HMO tenants are getting.

“Plymouth is supposed to have a legal 10 per cent limit on HMO numbers and I want to see more action on how this is monitored, enforced and what plans are in place to support communities facing additional burdens on local infrastructure as a result.”

The motion asks that property owners with an HMO licence to be reminded of the standards required and their responsibilities towards their tenants.

It also suggests the council’s waste and refuse team increase efforts to tackle additional refuse collection needs on streets which have seen an increased number of HMOs.

The sector in England is said to be worth almost £26 billion and landlords are often accused of making huge profits from tenants on low incomes.