Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) are a type of rental property that is rented out by at least three people who aren't from the same household and share one or more communal facilities. HMOs are popular among landlords since they can cater to a wide range of tenants and provide them with affordable housing. However, as an investor, it's crucial to understand that HMOs are strictly regulated, and not only must you comply with council requirements but also be considerate of your neighbours. In this blog post, we'll explore if neighbours can object to an HMO and what you need to know.

Firstly, it is essential to note that HMO landlords or investors must comply with licensing requirements and planning regulations. If your HMO falls under the definition of a licensable HMO, your property must meet the required standards for amenities, management, and safety. Local authorities regulate HMO licensing and advise on HMO location policies, including the suitability of the location for the proposed HMO.

Secondly, although your HMO may be legal and correctly licensed, your neighbours have the right to raise concerns or objections about your HMO. Common reasons for neighbour objections to HMOs include the higher levels of traffic, noise, waste, and parking issues. Therefore, it's essential to be considerate of the effect your HMO has on the local neighbourhood and communicate with your neighbours.

Thirdly, it's worth noting that under the planning regulations, HMOs are subject to a "material change of use." Your HMO must not significantly impact the character of the local area and must meet all the planning regulations, such as space requirements and amenity standards. In the case where neighbours suspect that there's a significant material change of use, they can raise objections with the local council for consideration, influencing the license or planning application.

Fourthly, planning permission is of the essence when converting properties; however, it is important to bear in mind that planning permission doesn't guarantee HMO license approval. Different local authorities have different policies to regulate HMOs, so it's vital to research your chosen location's policies before making the final decision.

Finally, it's essential to factor in the noise levels. In some areas, local authorities can use their planning powers to address noise issues where a property's use, such as turning it into an HMO, creates an unacceptable noise impact on the environment. Your council can impose conditions designed to limit the disturbance caused by the property's use for HMO purposes, so it's essential to have a noise-management plan in place when running an HMO.

In conclusion, neighbours do have the right to raise concerns or object to the licensing and planning of your HMO. It's important to bear in mind that HMO landlords must comply with their local council's licensing and planning regulations and consider the noise impact and neighbourhood character when renting out HMOs. HMO landlords should be transparent with their neighbours, communicate adequately and address neighbour concerns to ensure a beneficial HMO environment for both tenants and neighbours. At My Build Pro, we offer property investors, landlords, and developers a one-stop solution to their property investment, development, and renovation needs. Our experienced and qualified team is here to guide you through the HMO licensing and planning regulations, ensuring that your property complies with all requirements. Get in touch today to get started.