Hillingdon Council is set to implement a borough-wide licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in a bid to improve housing standards and tackle anti-social behaviour.
The decision, made by the Council's Cabinet on Thursday, 19 February 2026, will see the scheme enacted under Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004 for a period of five years. The initiative aims to ensure landlords adhere to minimum housing standards and to address resident concerns about poorly managed HMOs.
Following extensive consultation, which showed strong support from four in five respondents, the scheme will be implemented with a compliance deadline of 23 August 2026, and enforcement will commence on 24 August 2026. The Cabinet also agreed to the proposed additional licensing conditions and a schedule of fees designed for full cost recovery.
Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, stated that poorly managed HMOs are a frequent concern for residents, affecting neighbourhood character and quality of life. He added that the administration had listened to residents' calls for higher standards and action against substandard HMOs.
The consultation results indicated that 80% of respondents agreed with the proposed scheme, with 797 believing it would improve neighbourhood quality and 779 stating it would help identify poorly performing landlords. While 58% agreed with the proposed fee of £1,401, some respondents suggested higher fees or annual charges.
