Stricter measures for HMO (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) came into force in October 2018. However there are a number of houses in Medway that do not fall under this legislation, leaving many people living in cramped and unsafe conditions.

Cllr Dan McDonald, Councillor for Gillingham South and Medway Labour Spokesperson for Licensing said, ‘We are aware that there are still properties in Medway which fall well below expected standard. Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live. But some tenants are being exploited by a minority of unscrupulous landlords who profit from renting out cramped and sometimes squalid or dangerous properties. We expect the council to come down hard on these landlords.’

Cllr Naushabah Khan, Councillor for Gillingham South and Medway Labour Spokesperson for Housing said, ‘This change in the law, while welcome, does not go far enough. And does little to address the poor conditions some residents are living in, or the detrimental impact high numbers of HMOs can have on local communities.

‘It’s time the government took a serious look at housing in this country and took firm action with stronger legislation to tackle poor living conditions, rogue landlords and the cost of renting.’ 

Under measures which came into force in October Medway Council will be allowed to set new standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and fine rogue landlords up to £30,000 if they fail to comply.

The Council are able to set minimum bedroom size standards and impose limits on how many people can live in each bedroom of a licensed HMO.

Landlords will also need to provide adequate waste storage facilities in line with council rules.

Landlords of existing HMOs will have up to 18 months to bring their properties in line with the standards when reapplying for expired licences.