Responsibility and Community - HMOs and How My Eyes Were Opened
I have lived in Leamington Spa for over 25 years, making my home in the town centre where I have always enjoyed the special qualities of town life. But in recent times things have changed. The quality of life for everyone has diminished. The look and feel of the town, its very nature, are changing – and not for the better. What has happened? Rubbish is strewn on the streets, noise and anti-social behaviour have increased, the whole ambiance has changed, touching all aspects of life. Parking is more difficult, homes run into disrepair, transience has grown. It all adds up to a general neglect and loss of community. What has brought this about? When I was first heard about “HMOs” I didn’t even understand what the letters stood for. I now recognise they hold the key to everything -- Houses in Multiple occupancy. An HMO is a furnished house or flat rented out to three or more unrelated people, who share facilities like bathrooms and kitchen. It’s the classic student shared house, let for a...