Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Councils are tightening regulations on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) through new licensing schemes and Article 4 Directions to control their proliferation.
Harrow Council confirmed a borough-wide Article 4 Direction in September 2026, requiring planning permission for small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for three to six people. This Cabinet decision aims to control HMO proliferation. In Hillingdon, 22 of 25 HMO applications were refused since new licensing regulations came into effect, with all HMOs housing three or more unrelated individuals requiring a licence from August 2026.
Merton Council's Cabinet recommended permanent confirmation of an Article 4 Direction for 13 wards in July 2026, requiring planning permission for new HMOs. Kingston upon Thames Council's Planning Committee approved removing a condition preventing flats from being used as HMOs in Surbiton in July 2026. Meanwhile, Greenwich Council adopted new planning delegation rules in September 2026, shifting power to officers, ahead of new government regulations taking effect in October 2026.
Westminster City Council's Cabinet approved a five-year extension to its additional licensing scheme for HMOs until August 2031 in March 2026, aiming to improve property conditions. Hillingdon Council had decided to implement its borough-wide licensing scheme in February 2026. Houses in Multiple Occupation are dwellings shared by people not from the same household, sharing amenities like kitchens or bathrooms.
Key facts
- Harrow Council confirmed a borough-wide Article 4 Direction for small HMOs on 24 September 2026. Source
- Hillingdon Council refused 22 out of 25 HMO applications since new licensing regulations came into effect. Source
- Greenwich Council adopted new planning delegation rules on 23 September 2026. Source
- Merton Council's Cabinet recommended permanent confirmation of an Article 4 Direction on 13 July 2026. Source
- Westminster City Council's Cabinet approved a five-year extension to its HMO licensing scheme until 30 August 2031 in March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.