Council moves to tighten rules on HMOs

Another council has revealed it is preparing a major clampdown on unregulated Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) amid rising concerns about safety.

It also warns that rising HMO numbers are causing community disruption and the loss of family homes across key neighbourhoods.

Gloucester City Council is following in the footsteps of Ealing Council which announced similar measures last week, and it says the unchecked spread of HMOs is also affecting new developments that were originally intended to ease pressure on local families.

At next month’s cabinet meeting, Gloucester’s councillors will look at plans that require every HMO landlord in the city to apply for a licence.

The council also intends to introduce Article 4 Direction controls in areas where HMOs are already heavily concentrated.

Stricter HMO controls

Council leader, Councillor Jeremy Hilton, said: “The council plans to enforce stricter regulations on Houses in Multiple Occupation in Gloucester to address the issue of HMO saturation, especially where family homes are frequently converted.

“Many conversions occur without licensing or planning permission, affecting local communities.

“The council aims to introduce mandatory HMO licensing across Gloucester and implement an Article 4 Direction in certain wards, requiring planning permission for HMOs with six or fewer residents.”

He added: “While quality landlords will continue to receive support, those providing poor housing or exploiting tenants must cooperate with the council to avoid legal action.”

Most HMOs run responsibly

An HMO is defined as a property shared by at least three people from different households who use the same kitchen or bathroom.

The council admits that most are run responsibly, yet it claims serious issues are far more likely in this type of accommodation.

Problems range from overcrowding and neglected repairs to poor security, all of which feed wider community tensions.

Residents have also reported repeated problems with waste, fly tipping, parking pressure and rising numbers of complaints about damp, mould and other housing faults.

HMOs create service strain

The council argues that concentrated clusters of HMOs place extra strain on services, while also pushing up the price of suitable properties as landlords chase higher yields from multi-let homes.

That, in turn, reduces the supply of affordable places for local people.

Requiring landlords to be licensed would, it says, ensure homes meet minimum safety rules and are managed properly.

Currently, only HMOs with five or more occupants need a licence, with non-compliant landlords facing fines of up to £30,000.

That penalty is set to rise to £40,000 under the Renters’ Rights Act.

New rules from next year

If approved, Gloucester could bring the new rules into force in 2026 after public consultation.

Imposing an Article 4 Direction would require landlords to secure planning permission before creating new HMOs, including smaller properties with six or fewer tenants.

The measure is being considered for Kingsholm and Wotton, Westgate, Barton and Tredworth, Moreland, Kingsway and Elmbridge.

Subject to feedback, it could be introduced in April 2027.