Government Proposal to Restrict House Sharing

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Government proposals to restrict house-sharing have been sharply criticised by landlords and student unions alike.

The government has suggested plans to give local councils powers to reduce the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in a single location.

House sharing, whereby people that are not related live together in a single property, is a favoured choice for students and young professionals, but can prove a nuisance for locals that have complained that too many HMOs in one area can bring about anti-social behaviour together with streets of empty houses for the duration of university holidays.

On the other hand, those opposed to the plan say the government proposals are discriminatory, affecting substantial numbers of students, young professionals and migrant workers.

Government proposals include limiting the quantity of properties in a single area occupied by more than six unrelated people.

In a report about so-called ’studentification’ last September, It was stated that, “Cities including Liverpool, Loughborough, Leicester, Nottingham, Southampton and Bristol have reported more empty properties through the summer months meaning shops, businesses, community facilities and pubs simply close down creating ‘ghost towns’.”

“In addition there can be anti-social behaviour, litter and parking problems during term time.”