NRLA on BBC Breakfast sofa

NRLA representative Richard Blanco was on the BBC Breakfast sofa this weekend as part of a discussion on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Richard, who is also co-presenter of NRLA podcast Listen Up Landlords, was on the show to talk about the challenges and responsibilities that come with managing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), in response to a news story on the issue.

Responding to negative reports about some landlord behaviour, he stressed that such landlords are in the minority and that there are comprehensive rules and regulations in place when it comes to the management of HMOs.

He also stressed that it is vital that things like repairs are flagged by tenants at the earliest instance – and that local authorities must be robust in their enforcement work, in order to drive rogues out of the sector.

In the interview Richard quoted an investigation by the NRLA that found just 20 out of the 295 local authorities in the country serve half of the improvement notices, creating a postcode lottery when it comes to enforcement.

Criticising issues with ‘clunky’ and expensive licensing schemes, which are impacting the flexibility of landlords when it comes to offering HMOs to families and groups of individuals, he concluded by saying change is needed for these types of properties to continue to be available for all those that need them.

To watch the clip, click below: