Three's a crowd - new proposed classification of Houses in Multiple Occupation

New government proposals that are looking to establish a new definition of what constitutes a House of Multiple Occupation could impact heavily on landlords whose properties are currently not classified as a HMO.

A re-classification could bring in rental properties that are let to 3 unrelated tenants or more, up from the previous classification of a HMO of six or more unrelated tenants. Any newly classified property would require the landlord to seek planning consent for a change of use.

The proposals are out for public consultation until 7 August.

Read more in Property Week