Putting an end to landlords 'making a quick buck for a little rabbit hutch' in HMO clampdown

THREE towns could gain restrictions on HMOs to stop what councillors claim has been a surge in “cramped” homes more akin to “prison cells” and “rabbit hutches”.

- By EDDIE BISKNELL

At a meeting this month, Erewash Borough Council approved the start of an 18-month process to bring in additional restrictions for HMOs (houses in multiple occupancy) in parts of Ilkeston, Long Eaton and Sandiacre.

The measures - known as Article 4 - would make it mandatory for developers and landlords aiming to convert a property into a HMO to file a planning application.

As it stands, conversions of properties into HMOs with up to seven bedrooms do not need to file planning applications though some choose to, while it is already essential to submit plans for conversions of eight beds or more.

The new restrictions would broaden the scope to all HMOs in order to gain a better idea and control over the amount of properties being converted and to ensure they are all sufficiently regulated.

HMOs which require planning applications also require adding to the borough's HMO register, including a licence comprising further checks and balances to aid landlords and tenants alike.

These same restrictions have already been adopted in Derby and Nottingham.

A council meeting at Long Eaton Town Hall was told that there are 60 licensed HMOs in the three towns, more than double that of currently unlicensed HMOS.