Hillingdon Council, based in West London, is looking into the possibility of tightening controls around smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This move would expand the current licensing rules to cover a wider range of properties used for shared accommodation.
Over the past decade, the borough has seen a steady rise in private renting. Data from the 2021 census shows that more than 25% of homes in Hillingdon are now part of the private rental sector. This marks a 7.8% increase from 2011, which is the second biggest rise seen in any London borough during that period.
Currently, the council runs a mandatory licensing scheme, but it only applies to larger HMOs. These are homes where five or more people from different households live together and share common facilities, such as a kitchen or a bathroom.
The council is now considering the introduction of an additional licensing scheme that would extend to smaller HMOs. These are typically properties where three or four people from separate households share amenities but do not currently fall under any licensing requirements.
Local authorities have raised concerns that smaller HMOs, although fewer in size, can still present risks to tenants if they are poorly managed or not up to safety standards. Unregulated properties can also affect the surrounding neighbourhood if not properly maintained.
A recent statement from Hillingdon Council explained that bringing smaller HMOs into the licensing scheme would help ensure such homes are safe, contain essential facilities, and are responsibly managed by landlords.
It would also give the council greater authority to inspect properties and enforce housing standards. This extra oversight could help prevent issues like overcrowding, poor maintenance, and a lack of basic services.
The council believes that tighter regulation could reduce problems often linked to unlicensed shared housing, such as noise disturbances, improper rubbish disposal, and anti-social behaviour. These issues are harder to address without legal tools to hold landlords accountable.
Smaller HMOs can easily avoid detection since they do not need a licence under the current rules. This gap in regulation may allow some landlords to cut corners, leaving tenants in substandard living conditions.
To assess the scale of the issue, the council is conducting a Housing Tenure Survey. This in-depth review will gather data on the types of housing across the borough and help determine whether further regulations are justified under the Housing Act 2004.
If the findings from the survey support the need for extra licensing, the council plans to launch a full public consultation later in the year. This would give residents, landlords, and other stakeholders a chance to have their say before any changes are made.
A council spokesperson acknowledged that HMOs are an essential part of the local housing mix. They offer an affordable and flexible option for many people, especially those unable to access traditional housing due to cost or availability.
However, the spokesperson also admitted that some HMOs are having a harmful effect on the surrounding community. Poorly managed shared homes can lead to complaints from neighbours and cause stress for other residents living nearby.
The council is keen to balance the need for accessible housing with the need to protect tenant welfare and neighbourhood standards. By increasing scrutiny on landlords and requiring licences for more properties, it aims to achieve both.
Hillingdon Council says its priority is to ensure that everyone in the borough can live in a home that is safe, clean, and meets acceptable living conditions. The proposed changes are part of its wider efforts to raise the standard of rental housing across the area.