Government rejects petition for stronger powers to control HMOs

The government has confirmed it will keep its powers to regulate Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under review after rejecting a petition calling for tighter controls on HMOs in a London area.

During a government debate, Conservative MP Louie French presented a petition from more than 2,300 constituents in Old Bexley and Sidcup, which argued that the rise of HMOs is having a detrimental impact on the community.

The move comes as landlords in one town face new licensing rules for HMOs coming into force this week.

Loss of family homes

The petition claimed HMOs in Old Bexley and Sidcup are having “a detrimental impact on the local community, leading to anti-social behaviour, parking pressures and pressure on local amenities and services”.

It also argues the uncontrolled growth of HMOs is leading to the loss of family homes and making it harder for people to get on the housing ladder.

Mr French called on the government to intervene and introduce “new legislation to prevent the loss of family homes through conversion to houses in multiple occupation; and to ask the Mayor of London to ensure the next London plan recognises the vital role of family homes in Bexley and provides protection for them against being divided into HMOs”.

Powers to limit the proliferation of HMOs

However, the government rejected the petition, saying councils already have powers to limit the growth of HMOs.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said: “Local planning authorities already have powers to limit the proliferation of HMOs through Article 4 directions. This would mean any change of use to both large and small HMOs would require an application for planning permission, which is determined in accordance with the development plan for the area and provides an opportunity for local people to comment.

“I note that Bexley council have already introduced a borough-wide Article 4 direction to ensure that all proposals for new HMOs can be considered locally, in consultation with the local community. It is important that local areas have relevant, up-to-date policies in place against which any planning applications or appeals will be determined.

Mr Pennycook also said HMOs must follow the rules.

He said: “All HMOs, regardless of whether they require a licence, must also comply with the HMO management regulations. These impose duties on the manager of an HMO, typically the landlord, including providing adequate bins and waste collection.

“Where a landlord fails to license an HMO, or does not comply with HMO licence conditions or the HMO management regulations, local authorities can prosecute them, impose civil penalties of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution, or seek a banning order.

“A landlord who commits a serious offence, such as failing to obtain a mandatory licence, could also be subject to a rent repayment order, where they can be ordered to repay up to 12 months of rent to a tenant or local authority.

“The government will keep the powers to regulate HMOs under review.”