Hillingdon Council Refuses 22 Out of 25 HMO Applications
Hillingdon Council has refused 22 out of 25 applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) since new licensing regulations came into effect. The figures were revealed during a recent Council meeting where Councillor Nick Denys, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, reported on the impact of the Article 4 Direction.
The Article 4 Direction, implemented in December 2025, grants the council stronger powers to enforce standards against landlords who fail to meet regulatory requirements for HMOs. From 24 August 2026, all HMOs housing three or more unrelated individuals will require a licence. This new licensing scheme will enable the council to take firm enforcement action against landlords who fail to meet the required standards.
Councillor Denys stated that while there is no objection to HMOs that are well-managed, appropriately located, and meet required standards, poorly run properties that could undermine established communities will not be permitted. The direction has empowered the council to better represent residents' concerns.
The new scheme gives the Council stronger powers to ensure that properties are safe, well managed and properly maintained with appropriate fire safety measures and decent living conditions for tenants. The council aims to tackle the issues associated with poorly managed HMOs, such as increased nuisance, anti-social behaviour, parking pressure, and environmental problems that impact neighbours. A robust approach is being taken to improving housing standards.
The implementation date for the new licensing scheme is 24 August 2026, at which point every HMO in Hillingdon housing three or more unrelated individuals will require a licence. The expected timeline for the full impact of the scheme is not yet provided.