The property industry and student bodies have reacted angrily to new Government plans designed to evict tenants from Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) believing them to be harmful to the rental sector. Following concerns over noise, litter and anti-social behaviour the Government wants powers to evict tenants although Belvoir Sheffield, specialists in Sheffield studios, are wary of these proposals.
Rick Flay, from Belvoir Sheffield who offers houses to let in Sheffield and flats in Sheffield said, “There are only very few locations that have a high concentration of HMOs and so these plans are akin to taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It seems odd that the Government would want to displace large numbers of professional sharers, students or immigrant workers from their homes rather than tackling the causes of anti-social behaviour.”
Alan Ward, chairman of the Residential Landlords Association, agrees: “It’s a classic case of nimbyism. Small but vociferous interest groups do not want students and migrants living near them. Their actions threaten the economic wealth of an area.”
Student bodies also oppose the plans as they believe it would damage community cohesion to force students to live in “ghettos”, separate from the rest of their local community. With students having to pay high tuition fees to undertake their studies there are also concerns that this could push up the cost of accommodation at a time when many students are struggling on a tight budget.
The Government plans to clear students out of residential areas through consultation but there are concerns from the property industry that this assault on Houses of Multiple Occupation will damage the rental market.
Rick, from Belvoir Sheffield who specialise in houses to let in Sheffield added, “HMOs are a vital part of the rental sector. As the affordability of housing continues to be a problem for many individuals the opportunity to rent a room in a HMO is vital to the housing needs of many thousands of people. This is particularly true for students due to their financial constraints and the need for them to find low cost accommodation whilst they complete their studies.”
Belvoir Lettings Sheffield are the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management, Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances
For more information on furnishing a property for rent visit the Belvoir Sheffield website at www.belvoirlettings.sheffield
