Hillingdon Council is considering a borough-wide Article 4 Direction to manage the growth and impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), following concerns about the effect of the policy.
The proposed Article 4 Direction would apply across the entire borough, a significant expansion from the existing direction, which is limited to the former Brunel and Uxbridge South wards. If the new borough-wide direction is approved, the existing one will be cancelled.
The council met on Thursday 27 November 2025 to discuss the proposed direction, which would require planning permission for converting dwelling houses (Use Class C3) into small HMOs for up to six residents (Use Class C4). This would remove permitted development rights, giving the council greater control over the location and standards of these properties.
The decision comes after a motion at Full Council in July 2024 raised concerns about HMO conversions. Research commissioned by the council, detailed in the Article 4 Report, estimates there are 2,537 HMOs in the borough, equivalent to 8.7% of private rented sector dwellings. The report also highlights that 30% of HMOs have at least one serious housing hazard, compared to the PRS average of 10%, and a notable association between HMOs and anti-social behaviour (ASB), with 151 ASB incidents per 100 HMO dwellings, compared to 24.9 incidents per general private rented sector dwelling.
The council's Public reports pack states that the action is needed to protect local amenity and the wellbeing of communities.
The estimated revenue cost of publicising the Article 4 Direction is a maximum of £1,500. The council anticipates potentially needing up to two additional planning enforcement officers, which would incur an annual cost of approximately £130,000. A request for this funding has been included in the 2026/27 budget.
The council will now undertake a six-week consultation on the proposed Article 4 Direction. A further report will be presented to Full Council after the consultation period, considering any representations received, before a final decision is made.