Landlords support new policy on HMOs in North Devon

Moves to stop rooms in some houses in North Devon being used as short term holiday lets have met favour with landlords.

More than 85 percent of landlords, housing charities and estate agents who took part in a consultation agreed with a change in policy for houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).

North Devon Council’s strategy and resources committee, which had raised concerns previously about consulting on the issue, is pleased landlords ‘overwhelmingly’ support the change.

The housing shortage and lack of affordable homes was the most popular reason for 124 people giving it the thumbs up, with a number of people saying HMOs should be used for permanent accommodation only, and a mixed use would be ‘inappropriate and problematic’.

Others said that there are already sufficient holiday lets in North Devon and housing should be reserved for people working or living in the area.

People who disagreed gave reasons including owners possibly remove their HMOs from the system, how the policy would be enforced and that landlords should be able to choose how they use their homes.

Cllr Graham Bell (Lib Dem, Braunton) had been against the consultation, saying once landlords starting talking to each other they were very likely to pull out. But he admitted he was wrong: “I am very pleased we did consult,” he said.

Committee members were told they needed to be transparent and consulting the public would make the council exempt from any legal challenge.

Council leader Cllr Ian Roome (Lib Dem, Barnstaple North) said: “We as a council must show that we are listening to people’s views. People may have different views on this and we must take them into consideration.”

There are an estimated 1,100 HMOs in North Devon and 1,867 businesses registered as having holiday accommodation.

HMOs offer relatively low-cost accommodation and are considered a key component in reducing the housing shortage in Devon.