Hillingdon Council is considering tougher licensing rules for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), potentially extending oversight to smaller shared homes.

The borough has seen a notable surge in private renting over the past decade. According to the 2021 census, more than 25% of homes fall within the private sector marking a 7.8% rise since 2011, the second largest increase across London.

However mandatory licensing only applies only to large HMOs—properties with five or more people from two or more households sharing kitchen or bathroom facilities. 

But under the proposed changes smaller HMOs occupied by three or four people from separate households would also require licensing, broadening the scheme’s reach beyond its existing scope.

Hillingdon council released a statement which says: “Additional HMO licensing would help to ensure properties were safe, well-managed, and contain well-managed, and contain basic facilities for tenants, while providing the council with greater powers to hold landlords to account and inspect properties to check they meet the required standards. It would also help address ASB and waste management issues that can arise from unlicensed properties.”

Hillingdon Council is conducting a comprehensive Housing Tenure Survey to determine whether expanded licensing for smaller HMOs is warranted under the Housing Act 2004. If the findings justify regulatory change, the council will move forward with a full public consultation expected to begin this autumn, if deemed necessary.

A council spokesperson says: “For many residents in our borough HMOs are an affordable and flexible housing option.  

“However, it is clear that many HMOs are having a detrimental impact on the local community and additional licensing measures would provide us with greater scrutiny of landlords, protecting both the tenants and local neighbourhoods. 

“We’re determined to keep residents safe from harm and ensure everyone can live in safe, good quality homes.”