At a Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday, 5th September, the Conservative Cabinet on B&NES Council unanimously agreed to extend a scheme to improve the quality of HMOs across Bath.
Historically, Homes of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) have been occupied by the most vulnerable members of society, who are often on lower incomes and lack social mobility and choice.
In this instance, whilst most landlords do an honest and good job, there have often been occasions where low quality properties have been rented out with a poor standard of management.
In 2013, an additional licensing scheme was introduced to areas with a significant concentration of HMOs, including Westmoreland, Oldfield and North Widcombe, in order to tackle the issue.
The scheme ensured landlords met their obligations of providing a high standard of safety and welfare.
HMOs in Bath have been found in varying states of disrepair
At present, the Council has safeguarded 4,000 bed spaces with 1,000 HMOs being licensed, but the current licensing is due to expire at the end of this year and is limited to a small region of Bath.
Evidence suggests that due to the strong demand for affordable housing and the rise in students, the number of HMOs has ballooned to around 3,000, spreading to all regions of the city.
Over 1,700 inspections have taken place, which showed that 31% of HMOs do not meet the minimum statutory housing standard because they contain a significant health & safety hazard.
By extending the additional licensing scheme, the Conservative Cabinet has committed to improving housing quality across the entire city for the next 5 years, putting the wellbeing of tenants and residents first.
This is expected to benefit tenants, landlords and the community as demonstrated by the overwhelming support for the scheme.
Landlords in Bath have been fined in the past for failing to maintain their HMOs
85% of all respondents were in support of the scheme at consultation, with 44% believing it will have a direct positive effect on them as an individual.
The figures were even higher when sampling Bath city residents only.
Bob Goodman, Cabinet Member for Development & Neighbourhoods said: “Given the proliferation of HMOs across the city over recent years, this scheme has been in need of updating.
“It puts residents first by ensuring landlords are held to account and provide quality housing for all. It is beneficial to all parties as landlords will also benefit from greater transparency of what is expected from tenants.”
“I am pleased to see the widespread support for the work we have currently achieved and will continue to achieve following the extension of this scheme.”
