Rule change to stop rented homes being airbnbs in North Devon

A move to stop multi-occupancy homes being used as airbnbs in a bid to help local people find accommodation is being put forward in North Devon.

North Devon District Council’s strategy and resources committee agreed that licensed HMOs (house in multiple occupation) should not be let out as holiday accommodation as landlords look to diversify, but was split over whether it should be the subject of a public consultation.

The proposal will mean amending the council’s rules in relation to the letting of rooms in HMOs. A six-week period to consult with landlords and estate agents was recommended by officers.

But councillors David Clayton (Lib Dem, Barnstaple with Westacott) and Graham Bell (Lib Dem, Braunton East) said as there was no legal requirement to consult the public, the council should go ahead and make the changes immediately.

“Let’s show everyone we mean business on this. There is a huge depth of feeling over the lack of rented properties. Something needs to be done about it,” said Cllr Clayton.

Cllr Bell said: “I am very much against a consultation. Once the landlords of the HMOs start talking to each other, they are very likely to pull out and just use their properties for holiday lets.”

But members were told it was a change in policy and the council should consult with the public to be transparent and to be exempt from any legal challenge.

Council chairman 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 units. The popularity of airbnb’s in North Devon had increased because of its easy access to popular tourist attractions, councillors were told.

HMOs offer affordable accommodation to low-income families and individuals including students and older people, and are considered a key component in helping to reduce the housing shortage in Devon.

The council said that risks involved in short-term holiday lets in HMOs as well as a reduction in privately rented rooms for local residents are:

• Safeguarding and security risk because of the transient nature of Airbnb guests (e.g. potential for key cutting or unknown people and their visitors sharing facilities with residents)
• The potential for violence against women and girls, as Airbnb guests may not be as stringently vetted as permanent residents
• Increased risk of fire
• PAT testing of appliances can’t be enforced with Airbnb guests
• Potential for anti-social behaviour
• Reduction in the availability of private rented properties/rooms for local residents

Councillors considered the recommendation after a landlord asked if there were any restrictions for landlords renting out rooms in licensed HMOs for holiday lets.