NATIONAL companies have been sweeping up homes in Barnsley to convert into HMOs - taking away ‘affordable family homes’ from locals.
Houses of multiple occupation are homes that are rented out by at least three people who share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen.
The Chronicle understands that as of June, 188 HMOs have been licensed across the borough, managed by companies nationwide including from London, Nottingham and Gloucester.
The Central ward has been most affected by this growing market, with 133 properties taken up, notably with 11 on Dodworth Road, ten on Doncaster Road and seven on Caxton Street.
There are seven across Barnsley Road, crossing between Wombwell, Darfield and Goldthorpe - Wombwell was the second most affected ward, with 21 properties licensed as HMOs.
Kingstone took third place, with 17 properties spread across Park Road and Park Grove.
Coun Steve Bullcock of the Kingstone ward has been a long-time advocate for increased regulations of HMOs within the borough, working with the Crux of the Matter community group prior to being elected to tackle the problems they cause, particularly increased antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping and absentee landlords failing to act on residents’ concerns.
He told the Chronicle: “Personally I have no problem with HMOs but agreed quotas regarding numbers in a specific area must be adhered to and not breached.
“HMOs should without fail be subject to stringent regular checks every six months, or why not after every change of tenant - these checks should be mandatory and undertaken by the council and funded by the landlord.
“The checks should check that they are fit for purpose, safe, clean for habitation and free of damp and mould
“It should be the landlord’s responsibility to ensure all tenants are fully compliant with the standards expected regarding waste disposal and keeping gardens tidy - if tenants do not conform both tenant and landlord should be subject to strict financial penalties.”
However, others have raised concerns about how these properties affect young buyers hoping to get onto the property ladder.
With national companies buying up sites to convert into HMOs, there are fewer and fewer options for youngsters hoping to make their first home purchase.
“We cannot overlook every house converted into an HMO is potentially an affordable family home no longer available for the area,” he added.
“This is a worry, we should encourage the availability of affordable family homes at all times.
“Unfortunately because of the lack of affordable housing, HMOs have now become an integral part of our housing stock so are needed at the moment - until affordable houses are built it’s a fact of life we need HMOs.
“What I do have grave concerns about is long distance, irresponsible landlords or agents who do not show any interest day-to-day with how the property is managed by the tenants.
“A small minority of landlords are quite happy to collect monthly rents but fail to invest or manage some properties to the standard that we have every right to expect - thankfully it is only a small minority that behave irresponsibly.”
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, added: "Since 2021, as a result of bringing in a borough-wide ‘Article 4 Direction’, every potential house of multiple occupation now requires planning permission and consideration against the policies contained within our local plan.
"Most HMOs are larger properties, around five to 12 bedrooms, so not typically the choice for first-time buyers.
“They also help to meet housing needs in the borough by providing more affordable options for our residents.
"While our data does not suggest that antisocial behaviour is more prevalent in areas with higher numbers of HMOs, if residents have any concerns or would like to report any antisocial behaviour cases to us, they can do so on our website or by calling 01226 773555.”
