Residents Concerned Over Rise of HMO Properties in Surrey: A Threat to Community Stability?
Introduction
In Surrey, more family homes turn into HMOs and people worry. The community risks a change that might mirror Hounslow. Richard Evans, a long-time Sunbury resident, frets that HMOs will disrupt close neighborhood bonds.
What Are HMOs?
HMOs are shared homes. Different households live together, using the same kitchen and bathroom. Students, young workers, and people with low incomes choose these homes because the rent is lower. Their rise stirs talk on how shared living affects neighborhood ties.
Local Concerns
Richard Evans, 60, pushes for more rules to control HMOs. When he learned a nearby cottage would host six residents, he spoke of issues with parking, waste, and noise. His stress grows as the change nears, adding to his personal health struggles.
The change of the two-bedroom semi-detached house into a six-person share brings up a question: how should councils balance the needs of owners with those of the community? The licence rules for homes with five or more people help some, but locals say they do not address all their worries.
Community Voices on HMO Impacts
Numerous residents back Richard’s concerns. They note that short stays and unknown tenants may break close, neighborly bonds. Richard’s sister said that strong ties keep neighbors safe and connected.
Councillor Harry Boparai also shared his view. In his old Hounslow area, he saw problems rise as more HMOs moved in. He recalled Hounslow once was a quiet West London suburb but now faces more residents and disturbances. This has led some to ask for tighter rules in Sunbury.
Spelthorne Council’s Position
Even though residents voice fears, the Spelthorne Borough Council stands by its current HMO policy. Each HMO must meet health, safety, and room size rules. The council has approved about 150 HMOs and notes another 70 that might not follow these standards. This situation points to a need for closer checks.
Residents say the council has done little. Only 22 complaints about HMOs were recorded between October 2023 and September 2024, hinting that local officials may not see the issue as severe.
The Economic Perspective
Some property owners argue that tightening rules may hurt the local market. They claim that HMOs provide needed homes for those who cannot pay high rents. One landlord stressed that these shared homes support people with limited incomes, as many cannot pay more than £700–800 per month in rent.
Conclusion
The rise of HMOs in Surrey raises hard questions about community identity, safety, and affordable housing. With Spelthorne set to review HMO rules in early 2025, residents like Richard Evans watch closely, hoping for changes that keep their neighborhood safe and stable.
In sum, HMOs bring many challenges that affect both home values and the bond among neighbors. As local councils meet to discuss future plans, the voices of residents stay key in shaping housing policies.
Further Reading
Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.
