Residents from a London borough have failed to convince the government to introduce tough new laws on HMO conversions.

Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French (pictured above) presented a petition signed by 2,347 constituents complaining that the rise in HMOs was having a detrimental impact on the local community, leading to anti-social behaviour, parking pressures and pressure on local amenities and services. It said uncontrolled growth was leading to a loss of family homes and argued that powers available to the local council were not sufficient.

The petition also urged the Mayor of London to, “ensure the next London plan realises the vital role of family homes in Bexley and provides protection for them against being divided into HMOs”.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook (pictured right) responded that HMOs could play an important part in the housing market providing relatively low-cost accommodation for rent.

Introduced

“I note that Bexley council have already introduced a borough-wide article 4 direction to ensure that all proposals for new HMQs can be considered locally, in consultation with the local community,” said Pennycook. “It is important that local areas have relevant, up-to-date policies in place against which any planning applications or appeals will be determined.”

He said any concerns about the mix of housing locally should be raised with the local planning authority and insisted that councils already had powers to maintain standards through licensing.

Pennycook pointed to the civil penalties available to local authorities of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution, as well as banning orders. “A landlord who commits a serious offence, such as failing to obtain a mandatory licence, could also be subject to a rent repayment order, where they can be ordered to repay up to 12 months of rent to a tenant or local authority.”

However, he added that the government would keep the powers to regulate HMOs under review.

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