Holyland landlord in clash with councillors over noise complaints
His claim those reporting issue ‘have agenda’ sparks row
BELFAST c o unci l l o r s have clashed with landlord representatives after one with property in the Holyland said the majority of people who made noise complaints were “narcissistic” and “egoistic”.
Members of the City Hall’s licensing committee were recommended by officers to approve a change in regulations forcing all landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) to provide an emergency out-of-hours contact number.
The move is designed to keep them on top of anti-social behaviour.
A council officer said: “We don’t anticipate ringing somebody every time we get a complaint. It is only where we have tried to engage with the occupiers and we haven’t been successful.
“Nor do we expect landlords to jump into the middle of a crowd and sort out anti-social behaviour, that’s not what this is about. It’s about having that extra bit of support there.”
HMOS, which landlords lease out to three or more tenants from different addresses, have become increasingly controversial, with some arguing they have negatively affected communities and led to anti-social behaviour.
Holyland landlords Declan Boyle and Michael Mcmahon, as well as Steven Magill from the Landlords Association of Northern Ireland, gave submissions to the committee. They asked for a deferral of regulations so landlords could consider the details and possible legal implications.
Mr Boyle, a former Belfast councillor, said: “Who needs HMOS? The homeless; single people with low income; sheltered accommodation; battered wives; people with addictions; newcomers; refugees, tourists. We provide accommodation for these people.”
He also criticised the operation of the city noise team: “The vast majority of these complaints will not be from neighbouring properties, they will be from narcissistic, egoistic-driven individuals who wish to complain from somewhere 500 yards to five miles away, because there is some kind of alternative agenda.”
Green councillor Brian Smyth said Mr Boyle’s submission was a “rant”.
The SDLP’S Gary Mckeown said: “The argument seems to be that HMO provision in the wider university area is a good thing simply because there is a demand for them. Excuse me for not accepting that neo-liberal analysis.”
Council officers also proposed a process to deal with new HMO licence applications and renewals. Decisions were deferred until next month.