Council says it aims to tackle unlicensed HMOs
It's following repeated concerns from residents
A new crackdown has been announced on unlicensed HMOs in Coventry following “repeated concerns” from residents about nuisance behaviour linked to the properties.
The council says it intends to go after properties that are operating as HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) without being properly registered.
Questions were raised at a full meeting of the council by Cllr Marcus Lapsa (Reform, Tile Hill & Canley) and Cllr Pratibha Reddy (Cons, Wainbody).
Cllr Reddy said: “I welcome the ongoing programme of HMO inspections, and the work being undertaken to ensure landlords meet their responsibilities. In Wainbody ward, particularly, a number of residents have raised repeated concerns about late-night noise, nuisance behaviour, and pest issues associated with some poorly-maintained HMO properties.
“So could the cabinet member outline how the council can make more robust use of its existing HMO enforcement powers, where there are repeated complaints, including the use of targeted or unannounced inspections where appropriate, to ensure landlords meet the required standards, and residents are protected from ongoing nuisance.”
Announcing measures to get tough on unauthorised HMOs, Cllr John McNicholas (Lab, Lower Stoke), the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion said: “I understand the concern being expressed about HMOs in our wards and we have to challenge what is actually happening in Coventry. I’m advised that the council takes a proactive approach to identifying and investigating unlicensed HMOs.
“Landlords who are responsible and registered and work within the system, we don’t have problems with. It’s those landlords who refuse to participate.”
Cllr McNicholas said: “So, we’ll be identifying unlicensed HMOs. We’ll be using council tax records, planning information, complaints, partner agencies, and officer investigations to identify properties that may be operating without the required licence.
“Coventry has gained a national reputation and national recognition for its proactive use of enforcement. and has consistently taken action against landlords who failed to comply with the licensing rules.”
He asked for councillors to get involved in the clampdown by supplying details of any suspect properties in their wards.
Cllr McNicholas explained the HMO rules in a written response supplied to the full council.
In it, he wrote: “All licensed HMOs are subject to a programme of inspection throughout the life of their licence. Typically, this includes: 1. An inspection on application before a licence is granted, enabling the council to assess the suitability, condition and management of the property and apply appropriate licence conditions. 2. A further inspection to check compliance with licence conditions. 3. An inspection before the licence is renewed. In addition, inspections may be carried out in response to complaints or intelligence received by the Council.
“The HMO licensing regime regulates the management, safety and standards of HMOs. It does not control whether a property can be extended or altered.
“Matters relating to extensions, alterations and development are considered through the planning and building control process and are subject to the relevant legislation and consultation requirements. Some extensions may be undertaken through permitted development rights and therefore do not require a planning application.”
Cllr Marcus Lapsa requested details of licensed HMOs in parts of his Tile Hill & Canley ward.
He was given the following details:
2-74 Charter Avenue: 36 licensed HMOs
223-261 Sir Henry Parkes Road (on the Centenary Road side): 7 licensed HMOs
190-264 Sir Henry Parkes Road (opposite side of the road, up to Canley Fire Station): 26 licensed HMOs
1-66 Centenary Road: 17 licensed HMOs
153-183 Fletchamstead Highway: 11 licensed HMOs
Cllr Lapsa said: “Local residents are concerned at the number of HMOs and the effectiveness of any enforcement / checks as it seems some properties are being extended without local residents being informed. How many properties have been extended since the original HMO licenses were issued in each of these locations?”
He was also told that planning records showed that, within the locations identified, there had been 28 planning applications relating to extensions at licensed HMOs.