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News release

NLA welcomes Government re-think on draconian shared housing rules

17 June 2010

Following a campaign by the National Landlords Association (NLA), the Government has today announced it will be looking to end blanket shared housing planning regulations in favour of a more targeted approach.

Local authorities will need to tailor recent shared housing planning rule changes to areas where high concentrations of shared housing are causing problems.

Today’s Government announcement of a consultation is designed to ensure new rules work effectively for local people without placing an unnecessary burden on landlords and local planning authorities. The current need for landlords to apply for planning permission for their shared rental properties continues to cause major confusion across the UK.

However, until the consultation is complete and changes are made, the NLA is calling for local authorities to implement the current planning rules carefully. Councils must make sure they utilise shared housing to help meet their local housing need and do not inadvertently decrease the availability of much needed accommodation.

David Salusbury, Chairman, NLA, commenting on today’s Government announcement, said:

“It is clear this Government understands the contribution landlords make to providing decent and affordable accommodation across the UK. Unnecessary costs and red tape only serve to detract from this core activity and we welcome moves to tackle such costs.

“The change in the law for shared housing was rushed. As a result, its implementation by councils has created uncertainty and confusion. We are pleased to see the new Government responding to calls to rethink these unnecessary planning burdens on landlords.

“It is important local authorities continue to engage with landlord organisations like the NLA to help tackle the problems associated with some HMOs, rather than trying to impose rules across the board which seriously limit this much needed form of housing.”

For the Government announcement, please click here.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Steven Hilton
Media Relations Manager, NLA
Email:
Tel: 020 7840 8906
Mob: 07508 031 084

Notes to Editors:
Representing landlords from all over the UK, the National Landlords Association (NLA) is the leading organisation for private-residential landlords. It campaigns for the legitimate interests of landlords by seeking to influence decision-makers at all levels of government and by making landlords’ collective voice heard in the media. The NLA helps landlords make a success of their lettings business by providing a wide range of information, advice and services. It seeks to raise standards in the private-rented sector while aiming to ensure that landlords are aware of their statutory rights and responsibilities.