Growing Pressure to Regulate HMOs as Concerns Rise Among Manchester Residents
The trend in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) grows fast across Greater Manchester. Many residents now fear their impact. The change brings lower living costs for some. It sparks a call for local rules to keep the feel of neighbourhoods intact.
The Rise of HMOs and Its Implications
The need for HMOs grows as rent and living expenses rise. Many tenants choose HMOs because bills come as part of the deal. Landlords earn steady rental income with fewer empty units. Some residents and local officials now worry. They see this change as a spike in urban growth that may harm local life.
Bolton Council voted as a group to ask the UK government to set firmer rules. They now want limits on HMOs that host up to six people. A rule change in 2010 had let these properties avoid planning checks. Bolton numbers now rise from about 170 to over 720 in only a few years. In Salford, 1,254 new HMOs opened between 2017 and 2023. Local workers note that such growth may hurt community ties and strain local services.
Concerns From Residents
Residents notice their neighbourhoods shift. In Breightmet, local councillors and residents see family homes change into HMOs. One local said long-time neighbours feel pushed out by growing crowding. An elderly resident said the loss of steady tenants breaks strong community bonds. Short stays can make it hard for a street to hold a real home feel.
Councillor Sean Fielding from Bolton explained the issue. He said HMOs help create varied housing options. Still, fast growth takes away many family homes, especially in high-demand areas.
Concerns Across Greater Manchester
Bolton is not the only place with these worries. In Horwich, a group called “Say No To HMO Horwich” has gathered support. Their petition speaks of a heavier load on local services and the replacement of family homes. They ask for fair housing rules that protect community needs and allow low-cost living there.
Supporters of HMOs point out that these homes play a key part in filling housing gaps. Young professionals and students, who often cannot pay high rent, turn to HMOs. Many requests to open new HMOs stress that these homes help ease the pressure on local housing departments.
Future of HMOs in Manchester
There is a strong gap in views on HMOs. On one side, they help people face the housing test. On the other, their fast rise may hurt the close bonds in local areas.
If the government acts on Bolton Council’s note, firmer rules might help keep a mix of cheap homes and long-term family houses. These limits can keep local areas both affordable and stable.
In a brief view, the fast rise in HMOs stokes deep debate. While these homes work for both tenants and landlords, worries about community ties and local strain must count. Local leaders and government must work now to guide urban growth.
Sources:
- Manchester Evening News – Changing the face of neighbourhoods
- The Guardian – Articles related to housing policies and HMOs.
- BBC News – Reports on housing demand in urban areas.
- UK Local Government Association – Resources on housing and community engagement.
By building a clear view of the HMO debate, it is plain that both sides need thought as Greater Manchester shapes its housing future. Keeping a close look on local views will be key as policymakers set the next steps.
Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.
