One of the achievements of the Liberal Democrats on B&NES Council has been to introduce licensing for small (3-4 bedroom) Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This was not about controlling absolute HMO numbers, but rather improving standards. In this regard licensing has been very successful as demonstrated by facts below:

 
· Approx. 1,000 HMOs brought into licensing scheme;
· Over 80% of inspected properties did not meet all the licencing standards with almost a third not even meeting minimum legal standards;
· Therefore this scheme will have improved the improved the accommodation of over 3,000 residents.

Cllr Will Sandry said: “Students and young professionals are particularly vulnerable to being taken advantage of by unscrupulous landlords. I’m delighted that this scheme has improved the quality of homes for thousands of residents in my community. “