An application for a HMO licence in the Botanic area has been refused due to overprovision and after “misrepresentations” in a previous application.
This meant Mr Hughes had bought a house believing it was a HMO when it was in fact not, according to the council.HMOs, which landlords lease out to three or more tenants from different addresses, have become increasingly controversial, with some arguing they have negatively affected communities and led to anti-social behaviour.
While the council policy is that HMO’s should not account for more than 30 percent of any area, in reality many streets well exceed this, with some in the Holylands reaching over 90 percent. “Members will be aware that a limited company is a separate legal entity. Officers sought and obtained advice from counsel on the validity of the licence and legal services advised that section 8 of the 2016 Act clearly requires that the owner of the accommodation must apply for a licence, which was not the case here."
A solicitor for Mr Hughes said the previous owner had the property from 2007 to 2022, before Mr Hughes purchased the property.
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