Tougher rules on way for private student housing
TOUGHER regulations will be put in place across Glasgow to tackle problems raised regarding landlords who operate an HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) licence.
Glasgow City Council’s licensing board has agreed to implement stricter policies to property-owners to ensure underlying concerns from the community regarding the running of these residencies are addressed.
Residents of Hillhead, Partick and Kelvindale had hoped a policy on over provision would be introduced as they feel there are too many students in these areas and not enough family accommodation.
They also felt students did not integrate well within the community and this undermined the council’s vision for integrated communities.
But the local authority felt there was no legal basis to develop such a policy.
In August 2017 they instructed a fresh consultation to review whether they needed to adopt a policy on HMOs in line with the city development plan.
In February 2018 a public consultation process was launched seeking the views of licensing and HMO holders who have licenses for housing associations, care homes and student accommodation.
Various meetings have been held with the council, Glasgow’s student body, community councils and landlords to discuss the issues and concerns arising from these tenancies.
Common themes which arose included fly tipping, communal waste facilities not used properly, back gardens left untidy, noise and anti-social behaviour.
Concerns were also raised regarding the state of some properties which were in need of repair.
At the licensing committee council officers confirmed there was a continuing need for HMO accommodation not just for students but single adults who couldn’t afford a property of their own and wanted to rent a room.
Environmental health has raised concerns regarding the problems with these tenancies but these are not specific to the West End.
Issues have also been identified at Ibrox, Govanhill and Cessnock.
Following discussions with the community officers will put in place a guide to students on how to behave towards other neighbours.
The licence holder shall provide tenants, with an information leaflet on how to dispose of refuse and bulky items and take appropriate steps to ensure this is enforced.
Landlords will cover maintenance costs of their properties, make arrangements with the council to uplift bulky items and managed licensed living accommodation to ensure tenants are respectful of their neighbours.
Councillor Alex Wilson said: “This is a really robust report.
“We have listened to the representation which has been put forward.
“Feedback has been provided to us on what needs to be done to improve the area and this addresses the issues highlighted.”