'This affects everyone': West London borough in fresh clamp down on 'overcrowded' and 'cramped' HMOs
Hounslow Council has launched a consultation seeking residents' opinions on the plans, which seek to extend licensing requirements to smaller HMOs. The new scheme will include all smaller HMOs where facilities are shared and are occupied by three or four people.
This includes 'Flats in Multiple Occupation' in large blocks, which are currently not included in the HMO licensing scheme. Additionally, all HMOs that have been 'poorly subdivided' into self contained flats or studios without relevant approval will also be covered by the scheme.
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Hounslow Council says the scheme will help tackle antisocial behaviour and poor standards and management of the 'difficult to manage' properties, which can 'present serious risk of harm' to tenants. In 2020, Hounslow introduced similar measures to tackle issues caused by HMOs. This defined HMOs as a home occupied by three or more persons in two or more households, sharing facilities. Prior to this, an HMO only required a licence for a house of five or more tenants.
Since the introduction of the 2020 licensing policy the council has issued 937 warnings, and over 750 notices relating to safety. The local authority has also issued 51 civil penalties in the subsequent five years.
If the council proceeds with the new HMO licensing scheme, this will need to be approved by Cabinet. Once approval is given, the scheme is expected to commence in November 2025 when the current scheme expires.
Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development at Hounslow Council, said: "We are committed to ensuring all residents are provided with good quality, safe, and secure accommodation. We will continue to work with landlords to improve property standards and management in our HMO accommodation and we will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against rogue landlords that fail to comply. By renewing the additional licensing scheme, the only choice they have is take it or leave it.
"This regulation is also so important in helping to reduce antisocial behaviour and the social issues that stem from overcrowding and cramped living conditions. This affects everyone in our communities, so please use this opportunity to have your say."
The consultation is now live, and residents are invited to give feedback via the Hounslow Council website.
Have a story you want to share? Email philip.lynch@reachplc.com
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