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A friendly warning from a planner on the right side!  The Goverment is proposing on introducing a new category into the Use Classes Order to categorise HMOs.  From April if you wish to rent a house to more than 3 people (who are unrelated and share amenities) you will be required to secure planning permission for the change of use from a dwelling house to a HMO.  At the moment the Government is not proposing to back date this legislation so existing properties should obtain an established use status.  I will be giving advice on this on www.landlordsblog.co.uk .

Hi,

Not sure if anyone can help me, fairly new to property investment. 

Would a house with 3 existing individual students renting (recent new leases) in 2 storey building ( 4bed with 5 bed potential) be classed as a HMO under current regs?

If so, would the property still be accepted as an existing HMO when purchased with a completion date after April 6 2010?

 I have a house in mind but as the leases are so new not sure if the house would be accepted as already being a HMO?

If it would be, what evidence will I need to maintain (and also ask for from the vendor)?

 Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks