Councils tighten rules on HMO conversions

Two councils have taken steps to tighten control over Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in their areas.

They say they are aiming to protect local communities and ensure higher standards in shared housing.

In North Lincolnshire, councillors have approved an Article 4 Direction that will close a loophole allowing family homes to be converted into small HMOs without planning consent.

Once confirmed, the move will require all conversions to go through a full planning process, giving residents the chance to voice concerns and ensuring developments are properly scrutinised.

‘Standing up for residents’

Councillor Rob Waltham, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Families want safe, stable neighbourhoods – not streets hollowed out by badly run HMOs.

“We are drawing a line in the sand: homes must work for local people, not be exploited by rogue landlords.”

He added: “This is not something councils do lightly – it is rare to take this step and follows a lengthy legal process.

“But where family homes are at risk, and where communities are being undermined, we will act.

“This is about standing up for residents and making sure housing serves the people who live here.”

HMOs without permission

The council says that landlords turning family homes into small HMOs without permission have often led to overcrowding and parking issues.

There has also been a decline in the supply of traditional family housing with the new direction aiming to address these problems.

North Lincolnshire’s Article 4 Direction will now go through public consultation before being confirmed.

Tameside brings in HMO restrictions

Meanwhile, Tameside Council has implemented similar new planning controls across its borough to improve standards in shared housing and manage the growing number of HMOs.

From now on, every conversion to an HMO in Tameside will need planning permission, regardless of size.

Previously, only larger properties housing seven or more people required approval, but the rules now cover smaller shared homes accommodating three to six individuals.

The council said the borough-wide change will give local people a say in how shared housing is developed and help prevent overconcentration in particular neighbourhoods.

Impact of increasing HMO concentrations

Councillor Andrew McLaren, the deputy leader and executive member for growth, housing and homelessness, said: “We’ve brought policy in with immediate effect in response to residents’ concerns and to take action to manage the impact of increasing HMO concentrations.

“HMO accommodation forms part of the housing mix in Tameside but has to be fit for purpose and must integrate well with our existing housing stock.”

Tameside becomes the second authority in Greater Manchester to introduce such measures.