Residents Decry 'HMO Street' as Landlords Convert Homes, Sparking Community Concerns
Frustrated homeowners in Mansfield, Nottingham, report parking chaos, overflowing bins, and a loss of community as a third of their street is converted into houses in multiple occupation.
Residents of Princes Street in Mansfield, Nottingham, are expressing frustration over a surge in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and converted flats, which they claim have transformed their once close-knit community. Locals estimate that at least 15 out of 42 properties on the street are now HMOs or divided into flats, with further applications pending.
Growing Number of HMOs
The situation has escalated, with Mansfield District Council approving plans to expand an existing six-bedroom HMO into a ten-person property. Another application seeks to convert a residence into a six-person HMO, despite local objections.
Martin Radcliffe, a retired computer programmer who has lived on the street since 1990, stated that nearly every house that has been put up for sale in the last five years has been converted into an HMO. He noted that these conversions are often made through permitted development, where houses are extensively renovated to include multiple bedrooms, sometimes two in the loft and two on each floor, alongside a common lounge and kitchen.
Impact on Community and Infrastructure
Residents report that the increased number of occupants in these former family homes has led to significant parking issues. Finding a space on the street after 5 p.m. has become difficult, with cars often blocking driveways and contributing to a general sense of disarray. "If you get in after 5pm you're lucky if you can find a parking space anywhere on the street," Radcliffe said. "Everybody is on the street, with these HMOs you've got more cars coming in and they park in the way and it gets absolutely ridiculous."
Beyond parking, residents cite overflowing bins and a perceived loss of community feel. Lonel Tolan, a lorry driver and father-of-two, described the parking situation as "hell" and mentioned instances where neighbors have been unable to use their own driveways. He also noted that the frequent turnover of tenants makes it difficult to know who is living next door, contributing to a breakdown in community ties.
Marius Oprea, 47, warned that the problem could worsen without stricter council regulations, expressing concern that ambulances have struggled to navigate the crowded street. "I remember one morning an ambulance came and it couldn't turn because the street is too crowded," he said. "I fear that within a few years every single terrace house on the street will be a HMO."
Financial Incentives and Tenant Demographics
Residents believe that the conversion of homes into HMOs is driven by financial gain, with landlords potentially earning up to £50,000 annually per property by renting out individual rooms. This is in contrast to the lower rental income from leasing the entire house to a single family. Radcliffe estimated that a property could generate "£1,000 a week" if each of the ten residents pays £100 weekly.
Despite their concerns about the number of HMOs, residents emphasized that the issue is not with the tenants themselves. Many are believed to be young professionals or NHS workers from the nearby Kings Mill Hospital. "They're just normal people that come and go," Radcliffe stated. "It could be that these are doctors or nurses staying for six months and then leaving."
Council Response
Mansfield District Council confirmed that there are currently three licensed HMOs on Princes Street, with three more applications in process. Properties with four or fewer occupants from unrelated households generally do not require a license. A council spokesperson acknowledged the residents' concerns and stated that the council is reviewing HMO numbers and distribution across Mansfield as part of an assessment of housing needs.
The council also operates statutory HMO licensing and a selective licensing scheme in other areas of the district to ensure the safety and management of privately rented properties. Residents are calling for the council to implement limits on the number of HMOs allowed on individual roads to preserve the existing community structure.