Following on from this thread about Scotland and the 3 lads who couldn't find a flat because LLs didn't want to end up with an HMO, what is the situation in England?
We are already in a situation where HMO regulations and related rules prevent people finding somewhere to live for several reasons:
1 - Rooms not created (eg lofts not converted), due to overheads triggered by becoming licensable.
2 - Houses kept empty because change of use requires planning permission from HMO to single-let, both for the (8 week?) delay involved and to avoid losing the status.
3 - Any more?
The English Definition of Household is:
The following are "households" for the purposes of the Housing Act 2004:
Members of the same family living together including:
- Couples married to each other or living together as husband and wife (or in an equivalent relationship in the case of persons of the same sex)
- Relatives living together, including parents, grandparents, children (and step-children), grandchildren, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces or cousins
- Half-relatives will be treated as full relatives. A foster child living with his foster parent is treated as living in the same household as his foster parent.
Any domestic staff are also included in the household if they are living rent-free in accommodation provided by the person for whom they are working.
Therefore three friends sharing together are considered three households. If a couple are sharing with a third person that would consist of two households. If a family rents a property that is a single household. If that family had an au-pair to look after their children that person would be included in their household.
Clearly the Parliament-wallahs can introduce laws that make it difficult for people to find places to live if they wish, and local authorities can implement them, but is there any legitimate wriggle-room in the 'Household' definition in England, as suggested in the Scottish thread?
Comments welcome.
Thanks
ML
Quote:
Originally Posted by boletus
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Are both your friends really, really ugly? Are you sure you are not attracted to one of them just a little bit? Even if the relationship is purely platonic you could still be classed as a couple. Maybe moving in together as a couple with one of them will help sort out your feelings. Separate rooms of course, with your 3rd friend (the gooseberry) occupying the 3rd bedroom.
1 - Rooms not created (eg lofts not converted), due to overheads triggered by becoming licensable.
2 - Houses kept empty because change of use requires planning permission from HMO to single-let, both for the (8 week?) delay involved and to avoid losing the status.
3 - Any more?
The English Definition of Household is:
Quote:
The following are "households" for the purposes of the Housing Act 2004:
Members of the same family living together including:
- Couples married to each other or living together as husband and wife (or in an equivalent relationship in the case of persons of the same sex)
- Relatives living together, including parents, grandparents, children (and step-children), grandchildren, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces or cousins
- Half-relatives will be treated as full relatives. A foster child living with his foster parent is treated as living in the same household as his foster parent.
Any domestic staff are also included in the household if they are living rent-free in accommodation provided by the person for whom they are working.
Therefore three friends sharing together are considered three households. If a couple are sharing with a third person that would consist of two households. If a family rents a property that is a single household. If that family had an au-pair to look after their children that person would be included in their household.
Comments welcome.
Thanks
ML