A survey of residents who live in a suburb close to the University of York has shown they have concerns about the growing number of student lets.
The Badger Hill Residents Community Group organised the survey to find out the strength of feeling in the area about the increase in the number of HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) which are almost all student households. The results show that 97% who replied said they had been affected, 66% referred to parking problems, 36% said they had problems with the amount of noise. Other concerns included litter problems and antisocial behaviour.
Many residents claimed they had made a complaint about HMOs close to their own properties, and 81% claimed they knew someone who had either moved or was considering moving out of the area because of the growth of student lets. All those questioned want the council to license or control the growth of student lets in the area.
A spokesman for the University of York said, “Irrespective of the occupiers of any particular property, if neighbours have concerns about poor maintenance, noise or anti-social behaviour they should contact City of York Council. A survey of on-street parking in Badger Hill took place in November, and depending on its results, City of York Council and the University will discuss any remedial action, such as residents’ only parking schemes, which may be necessary.”
Residents do recognise the many benefits which the university has brought to the area. But they feel they are being affected by the fast conversion of a family home into a HMO. This has happened because of the massive shortfall of accommodation at the university and the financial incentives which HMOs offer for landlords who are converting properties, taking out landlord insurance and filling the property with students.
In a statement from the council, they say they will take the results of the survey into account when they make their recommendations for dealing with the issues associated with the short term let properties.