Accidental landlords face ‘double whammy’
Accidental landlords forced to enter the lettings market because they are unable to sell could also find themselves hit with heavy costs if government proposals to redefine rental properties for planning purposes go ahead.
The Government has put forward proposals to redefine houses in multiple occupation (HMO) – currently defined as houses occupied by six or more unrelated persons – to help it address the impact of a number of “pockets” of student accommodation which have grown up in certain areas. The government is considering cutting the limit to three unrelated persons, beyond which planning consent for the property must be obtained …