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Landmark change of planning rules for HMOs will ‘drive out rogue landlords’

New rules making it compulsory for landlords to apply for planning consent if they wish to convert properties in the Royal Borough of Greenwich into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) will ‘drive up standards, and drive out rogue landlords’ in the local area, it has been claimed.

The local authority for the Royal Borough of Greenwich firmly believe that the change, an Article 4 Direction, which removes the permitted development rights for properties to be used as small HMOs with no more than six people, will help stamp out poor quality and unsafe rental homes in the London borough.

Cllr Jackie Smith, cabinet member for community safety and environment, said: “The Royal Borough has taken a number of measures over recent years to tackle the problem of sub-standard and often unsafe accommodation, and this latest move strengthens our hand even more.

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“Over-crowded and poorly maintained HMOs are not just devastating for the families that have to live there, but it leads to other problems such as overflowing bins and fly-tipping.”

Approving the change last month, the council will now undertake a consultation with stakeholders across the borough before it becomes law in October next year.

Cllr Danny Thorpe, deputy leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and cabinet member for regeneration and sustainability, commented: “The council is committed to providing safe and secure accommodation for everyone in the borough. This latest decision will help us drive up standards, and drive out rogue landlords.”

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  • G romit

    This will hit good Landlords with extra regulation (and costs) whilst rogue Landlords, who ignore all other regulation, will just ignore it.

    The existing legislation is adequate to drive out rogue Landlords but it not enforced. Here's another Law which will not be enforced either.

  • cantseethewood forthetrees

    Couldn't agree more

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