The government faces a High Court challenge over new rules which allow private landlords to easily convert rented properties into houses in multiple occupation. Four local authorities have won permission to launch a judicial review into the rule-change, which was announced by housing minister Grant Shapps last September. Since October, private landlords have been free to convert properties into HMOs - a house occupied by more than one household - without securing planning permission. The legal challenge is being brought by Charnwood, Newcastle, Oxford and Milton Keynes, following concern that the relaxation will increase the number of HMOs that attract crime, litter and anti-social behaviour. Councils can restore the requirement for planning permission for HMOs by making a direction under the Town and Country Planning Act 1995. The National Landlords’ Association last week launched a campaign against Portsmouth Council’s decision to consider such a move. Read more on Inside Housing.
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