Additional HMO licensing scheme consultation

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a rented property where:

• 3 or more people live together
• they are from 2 or more households
• they share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet

Properties with 5 or more people from 2 or more households already need a Mandatory HMO licence.

What we're proposing

We are proposing to introduce an additional licensing scheme for HMOs occupied by 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households.

The proposed scheme aims to:

• improve housing conditions and safety in smaller HMOs
• make sure landlords manage these homes professionally
• protect vulnerable tenants who may feel unable to report problems
• tackle poor management, overcrowding, harassment and illegal evictions

If approved, the scheme would start in January 2026 and would cover the whole borough.

Options we have considered

We considered other approaches but have ruled them out.

Do nothing

This would leave smaller HMOs unregulated unless complaints are made, and some tenants fear reporting issues.

Accreditation scheme

Voluntary schemes attract good landlords, but those needing improvement rarely join.

Selective licensing

Too broad, would divert focus from the properties causing most concern.

Licensing by area only

Issues exist borough-wide, so a consistent approach is fairer and more effective.

What the scheme aims to do

If the scheme is approved, it aims to provide:

• better managed properties and improved living conditions
• more professional landlords who meet their legal responsibilities
• clear standards for tenants to expect from their housing
• reduced turnover of tenants, creating more settled communities
• action against bad landlords operating illegally or irresponsibly
• reduce exploitation of tenants through overcrowding, harassment or eviction threats

Download the full proposals document.