HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

Early day motion 450, tabled 30 October 2014 by Lord Whitehead (Labour). Signed by 67 members.

That this House notes that there are estimated to be one million houses in multiple occupation (HMO) units in England housing some of the UK's most vulnerable citizens; further notes that according to the Department for Communities and Local Government, HMOs are frequently 'old and highly inefficient in terms of energy use' and that a recent report for the EAGA Charitable Trust, Housing in Multiple Occupancy: Energy Issues and Policy, has found that problems with damp, mould and associated health concerns are frequent for those living in HMOs; regrets that there are currently no legislative drivers to improve the energy efficiency of HMOs and the lives of their residents; further notes with interest that Bath and North East Somerset Council requires HMOs to reach energy performance certificate band E as a condition of licensing under the Housing Act 2004; therefore supports the Houses in Multiple Occupation (Energy Performance Certificates and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) Bill introduced on 21 July 2014 by the hon. Member for Southampton Test, which will bring HMOs within the scope of the minimum energy efficiency standard for the private rented sector under the Energy Act 2011 and build on the example set by Bath and North East Somerset Council by requiring all local housing authorities to make a minimum energy efficiency standard a mandatory condition of HMO licensing; and urges the Government to introduce these legislative changes as soon as possible.

Signatures by party: Labour 37, Liberal Democrat 17, Conservative 3, DUP 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Alliance 1, Green 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.