Landlords in Hull are set to face tighter controls on shared housing after councillors supported a motion aimed at improving the regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The decision follows a debate where concerns were raised regarding overcrowding, poor management, and disturbance to residents.
During the Hull City Council debate, issues such as room sizes being compared to ferry cabins were highlighted. Councillors also discussed divisions over the appropriate number of shared properties the city should accommodate. Hull is reported to have approximately 2,000 HMOs, with some areas experiencing concentrations as high as 50%.
The motion, proposed by Labour councillor Shane McMurray and incorporating Liberal Democrat amendments, was approved. However, details regarding an implementation timetable or the full wording of the agreed measures have not yet been released.
Councillor McMurray stated that residents living near high concentrations of shared houses were disproportionately affected by noise, fly-tipping, and anti-social behaviour. He also criticised absentee landlords and urged the council to expedite its local plan.
Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Drake-Davis suggested Hull should consider tighter restrictions, citing Brighton's 10% limit on HMOs in a street since 2013. Labour councillor Karen Wood also raised concerns about the quality and scale of some property conversions, noting a trend of large Victorian houses being converted into HMOs for 12 or more people, leading to increased rubbish and parking issues.