Anti-migrant activists may target rental homes, charities warn

"Fears are growing that shared houses may become the focus of anti-migrant protests, with residents and charities saying tensions are building in some areas. Homes of multiple occupation (HMOs) have grown in number as renters seek affordable accommodation amid a housing crisis. Defined as a property where three or more tenants live with shared facilities, HMOs are most often used to house students, young professionals, asylum seekers or, increasingly, anyone on a tight budget."

"Messages have been posted on social media urging action against HMOs thought to be housing asylum seekers, with some individuals trying to compile lists of addresses. A former pub on the edge of Warrington in Cheshire was daubed with graffiti last month saying No HMOs after rumours it was due to be converted. The local council said it had not received any planning application."

"But there has been growing speculation about whether they could, or should, resort to a greater use of HMOs which separately from the asylum debate have been blamed for tensions in some communities. Louise Calvey of Asylum Matters, which campaigns for better asylum conditions in the UK, said the charity had received reports of an increase in hate crimes near HMOs as well as rumours circulating in communities that HMOs were housing migrants, even if they were not."

Fears are growing that shared houses may become targets for anti-migrant protests as tensions rise in some areas. Homes of multiple occupation (HMOs) have increased as renters seek affordable accommodation during a housing crisis. HMOs commonly house students, young professionals, asylum seekers, and others on tight budgets. Social media campaigns have urged action against HMOs believed to house asylum seekers, with attempts to compile address lists. Incidents include graffiti on a former pub after conversion rumours. Political criticism and plans to relocate asylum accommodation have fed speculation, while charities report rising hate crimes and rumours around HMOs.

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