London council tightens HMO rules amid rising complaints

A London council has revealed a clamp down on the spread of HMOs by bringing under full planning control any bid to convert family homes into a house in multiple occupation.

The shift marks a significant change in how the borough manages shared housing, and officials say it is aimed at protecting neighbourhoods without shutting off access to cheaper rooms.

Ealing Council already requires landlords to seek permission for large HMOs with more than six occupants.

However, with rising complaints about noise, rubbish and overcrowding, councillors say they have been under pressure to act.

Rising HMO complaints

Council leader Peter Mason said: “This decision shows we are listening to our communities on this issue.

“Over the past three years, we’ve seen a rise in complaints linked to HMOs, ranging from noise and waste to safety concerns.

He added: “Most landlords are responsible, but with growing demand and a small minority of poor practices, it’s crucial we support better standards.

“We are doing that by inspecting almost 200 properties and issuing 800 new licenses each month.”

HMOs offer cheap rents

The council’s move runs alongside the licensing regime, which remains mandatory for all HMOs.

While around 4,000 properties are currently licensed, the council believes there are more than 5,500 homes, leaving a big chunk operating below the radar.

Officials argue that clear, enforceable conditions are essential, particularly where shared housing is in residential streets.

The council says that HMOs continue to offer crucial, lower cost accommodation for people who struggle to rent independently, including students and early career workers.

But, it warns, unmanaged properties can quickly strain local services.

Intervention works

A trial in Perivale last September laid the groundwork for this latest move.

Residents there had warned that an influx of HMOs was altering the character of the area and that some landlords were failing to keep on top of basic management.

Once the pilot began, the effects were immediate, the council claims.

It says that more than a quarter of HMO applications in the zone were refused or abandoned as the council enforced tighter standards.

Enforcement has also been stepped up with new officers focusing on waste linked to rented homes have already visited nearly 120 properties.

They have also issued a dozen warnings and passed five cases to the team that deals with unlicensed landlords.

The council says the early results show how targeted intervention can bring problem areas under control.