An agent has accused Edinburgh City Council of “double standards” after housing homeless people in unlicensed HMO properties.
Scott Brown, maintenance manager at rental agency Littlejohns, based in the Scottish capital, says councils should not break their own rules. 
As a lettings agent, it is frustrating to see such double standards in housing regulations. ”
“As a lettings agent, it is frustrating to see such double standards in housing regulations.
“Private landlords are expected to adhere to strict standards, including HMO licensing, to ensure tenant safety and access to quality accommodation.
“However, the widespread use of unlicensed temporary accommodation by councils undermines these principles,” he says.
Littlejohns manages 850 properties in Edinburgh and has 150 HMOs on its books.
illegal HMO
An investigation by the Local Democracy Reporting Service found that the council was using 30 illegal HMOs, with around 700 rooms currently occupied by non-compliant shared homes.
“We work extremely hard on behalf of our clients to ensure that the properties under our management comply with the HMO regulations set out by Edinburgh City Council. We feel strongly that this should apply to all housing providers, whether private or public,” Brown added. .
Edinburgh City Council is currently spending around £50m a year on temporary housing, up from £16.7m five years ago, the Edinburgh Evening News reports.
We are under incredible pressure to provide accommodation for people. ”
Cllr Jane Meagher, council housing member, said:
“While we have a legal obligation to provide accommodation for people, there is a serious shortage of accommodation.”
She said some HMOs were unlicensed but all were subject to fire, gas and electrical inspections. Some HMOs also required costly improvements, such as new kitchens or building renovations.
