Crackdown on HMOs across large London borough

Buy to let investors who want to convert family homes into HMOs in Hounslow for three to six tenants will now have to obtain planning permission from the local council.

After a year-long pilot and consultation with residents, Hounslow council has made a regulation on HMOs permanent. 

Landlords or their agent representatives, who want to convert family homes into HMOs for three to six tenants will now have to obtain planning permission from the council. The regulation came into force last week.

Dubbed the ‘Article 4 Direction’, the measure was introduced in July 2022 and aimed to address the increasing concerns among residents about the negative impact of HMOs in local communities. 

The council claims many community groups and residents’ association have highlighted how HMOs in their area have been blighted by an increased level of anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and noise.

Councillor Tom Bruce, council cabinet member for regeneration and development, says: “I would like to stress that for many residents in our borough HMOs is an affordable housing option, which is low-cost and flexible.

“However, is it clear that many HMOs are having detrimental impact on the local community and this measure becoming permanent will ensure thorough oversight – protecting both the tenants in HMOs and the communities that surround them.

“I would encourage residents to get in touch if they have planning enforcement query related to a HMO.”