Bristol Investors and Landlords warned over HMO changes

Landlords looking to purchase further properties in Bristol should be aware of a change to Planning laws which will take place in Bristol from 11th December 2011

Areas which this will affect are the wards of Ashley, Cabot, Clifton East, Cotham and Lawrence Hill.

Any investor, looking for an acquisition in any of these areas, from December 11th 2011 require planning permission, if they are going to rent to more than 3 persons.

A representation known as an article 4, means that the permitted development right has been removed and that planning permission would be required for change of use between a dwelling house (class 3) and a small House in Multiple Occupation. (class 4 being a small shared house or flat occupied by 3-6 unrelated invididuals)

There is no fee with the application and the Council should make a decision within 8 weeks. However the decision may take longer if the case is referred to committee for determination.

Any potential investor is urged to contact a specialist Bristol Letting Agent, who should be aware of the change in legislation, prior to purchase of a property.

ARLA spokesman Ian Potter said "HMO licensing and planning applications are not a new issue for landlords, but now there is the added complication of Article 4. "There is no room for complacency - failure to comply could result in a hefty fine. It is therefore important for any landlord considering the use of a property to fully research the regulations in their area."

Kevin Cox of Bristol letting agents Igloolets.com said “As a specialist letting agent, we have known that this change, was in the pipeline for some considerable time, and have been advising purchasers accordingly. This could affect the resale value of properties within the target areas, especially if the Council chooses, not to grant permission to all those who apply. Many of these areas, have seen a marked increase in values over the years as a direct result of investors purchasing in these areas. Local authorities throughout the country are now trying to redress swaths of areas becoming ‘Renterville’ and bring back a balance in occupancy”