Insurance News Archive
Landlords who overcrowd properties condemned
Landlords who break the law by overcrowding their properties have been condemned by the National Landlords Association (NLA).
The association is concerned that a small number of landlords are letting out their properties to so many tenants that occupants may have difficulty escaping in the event of a fire.
Licensing for Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) was introduced in 2006 to target cases of overcrowding in rented properties.
David Salusbury, NLA chairman said: "These unscrupulous landlords are operating entirely outside of a system developed to protect the welfare of tenants.
"The NLA has no hesitation in supporting local authorities as they seek to root out such practices among rogue operators."
The association is working with stakeholders to produce a publication to advise landlords on the fire safety precautions required for certain types of properties.
Meanwhile, Nationwide Specialist Lending has reminded landlords about the need to declare rental incomes following reports warning that HM Revenue and Customs has begun to target property owners who may have failed to declare income from their investments.
22 Feb 2008
