Hillingdon Council is considering a borough-wide Article 4 Direction to manage the growth and impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), a move that has sparked disappointment among some residents.
The decision, discussed at a council meeting on Thursday 27 November 2025, aims to remove permitted development rights for converting dwelling houses into small HMOs (defined as those for up to six residents, Use Class C4), requiring planning permission for all new conversions. This would give the council greater control over their location and standards.
Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, put forward the motion expressing deep disappointment at the closure of the Mount Vernon Urgent Care Unit
.
The council's report, Article 4 Report, cites evidence of a high number of HMOs with serious housing hazards
, a notable association between HMOs and anti-social behaviour (ASB), and a high volume of planning enforcement complaints related to HMO conversions. The report estimates there are 2,537 HMOs in the borough, equivalent to 8.7% of all private rented sector dwellings.
The council claims that HMOs can exhibit some of the worst housing conditions, with 30% having at least one serious housing hazard, compared to the PRS average of 10%. The report also claims a notable association between HMOs and ASB, with 151 ASB incidents per 100 HMO dwellings, compared to 24.9 incidents per general private rented sector dwelling.
If the new borough-wide Article 4 Direction is approved, the existing Article 4 Direction for HMOs covering the former Brunel and Uxbridge South wards will be cancelled.
