For my family and the community around Balsall Health in Birmingham, living next to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has become intolerably unsafe. This is alongside  almost daily occurrences of drug dealing at the end of Raglan Road to said vulnerable HMO tenants. 

Over the past ten days alone, we've had to call the fire brigade four times due to tenants setting off alarms while smoking indoors from smoking. Moreover, I've been spat at on my own doorstep, had property stolen, and endured numerous nights of lost sleep due to tenants in severe mental distress.

The tenants next door have overnight staff (do they?) considering the amount of shouting, abuse, and alarms I hear. This is alongside a visit a day too. This is not enough. 

As a woman, I’ve faced intimidation from HMO tenants from around the area and it's terrifying. On top of that, I witness drug dealing involving tenants from the same HMOs in the area almost every single day at the bottom of my road. 

These are not isolated incidents. Many residents in Birmingham are living in similar fear and frustration due to inadequate regulation of HMOs.

Vulnerable tenants deserve environments that offer proper care and supervision.

However, when the system fails, it's not just the tenants who suffer but also the surrounding community, who are exposed to intimidation, unsafe behavior, and unmanaged crises. It's beyond time for meaningful action.

Birmingham City Council must acknowledge the plight of residents and tighten HMO regulations. More stringent oversight and enforcement of housing regulations can ensure that these facilities provide safe and supportive environments for their tenants, and do not become sources of distress or danger for their neighbors.

Here's a plan:
1. Increase the accountability and monitoring of HMO landlords (including companies who are ‘charities’) to ensure that they are providing proper care and supervision for their tenants. This should be 24 HOUR supervision. Not just night staff from midnight and one check per day. 

2. Implement regular, unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with safety and health standards.

3. Facilitate better communication channels for residents to report concerns without fear of retribution.

4. Strengthen penalties and consequences for landlords and tenants who repeatedly violate regulations.

4a. Increased long term police presence within Balsall Health (to the Pershore Road border) where frequent drug dealing occurs at the end of Raglan Road. 

5. Stop HMOs for homeless people becoming revolving doors - when one tenant is let go due to bad behaviour, another one comes in. Where is the rehabilitation element?

We believe these measures will provide a safer, more supportive environment for tenants and create harmonious communities in Birmingham. Please sign this petition to urge Birmingham City Council to take immediate and decisive action. We know the city council has given evidence to the government on matters pertaining to HMO loopholes, but enough is enough.