Stephen Williams' views on Houses in Multiple Occupation

Regarding the new licensing regulations for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), the aim of licensing introduced by the Housing Act 2004 is to improve the management of HMOs and to identify properties in poor physical condition.

There have been a number of issues raised by landlords who are understandably concerned about the cost and practical implications of implementing the new regulations. I share concerns that government regulations should not make renting properties unfeasible. However, on balance I feel that introducing these standards is overall a positive move. They will go some way towards improving conditions in rented accommodation, and I do not feel that the demands they place on landlords are unreasonable. All political parties supported the introduction of these measures when the legislation was being drawn up; there was agreement that there was a sensible balance between cost and necessary improvements to the standard of accommodation provided to tenants.

However, it is important that the government takes steps to enable landlords to meet the new standards. My colleagues in the Liberal Democrats have argued that it is often difficult for private landlords to invest in improving their properties because of the prohibitive cost. To tackle this, we want to cut the VAT paid on repairs to homes. We also believe that the Government must work to foster bonds of trust between tenants and landlords, encouraging the work of landlords' associations like the CRLA to help foster good practice and training. There could be significant wider social repercussions of encouraging good practice in the renting of properties. An improved standard of rented housing can help lead to a reduction in antisocial behaviour, with a climate of responsibility in tenants and owners.

I hope that the measures brought in by the Housing Act 2004 will bring about the improvements we all want to see in this type of accommodation. My colleagues and I will continue to monitor the impact of these regulations on landlords and tenants.