HMOs are 'a vital part of the rental sector'

News Category: Management

Landlords who provide houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are offering affordable accommodation to those who might otherwise struggle to afford to rent, an industry expert has said.

In 2006, new regulations came into force which aimed to improve the standard of HMOs in the UK. The Department of Communities and Local Government said at the time that the new licensing would raise the standard of management in this rented sector.

Now, Shelter's chief executive, Adam Sampson, explained that HMOs play a vital role in the rental market, but that standards still need to improve.

He said: "As rents continue to spiral, HMOs provide a vital affordable housing option for many people who would otherwise struggle to find a home.

"Shelter has long campaigned for the licensing of HMOs and councils have now been granted wide-ranging powers to overcome the problems these properties can create.

"Local councils must now use these powers to their full potential to ensure HMOs meet high standards, so all tenants can live together happily alongside the wider local community."

Recent figures from the Mortgage Trust showed that students and migrant workers were increasingly living in HMOs.

The company added that landlords could potentially enjoy larger yields by offering HMO property.