Council calls for residents' views on stricter HMO restrictions

Currently, the council operates a mandatory licensing scheme for large HMOs. The proposed scheme would introduce similar licensing conditions to small HMOs rented to three or more occupiers in two or more households who share a kitchen or bathroom and are not already covered by the existing requirements. 

The tighter restrictions would give the council greater powers to scrutinise landlords, improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour. 

The consultation will give residents and landlords the opportunity to share their opinions on the proposals, the additional licensing conditions being considered and the requirements that would be imposed as a result on landlords to ensure properties are safe and well managed.    

On Thursday 23 October the Council's Cabinet reviewed the results of an independent housing tenure survey to assess whether enhanced rules are required for smaller HMOs in the borough and gave the green light for a public consultation.  

Conducted in July, the survey found private renting had increased by 52 per cent since 2011 and makes up 25 per cent of all residential properties in the borough, with analysis predicting there could be more than 1,800 hidden HMOs operating.   

It also highlighted concerns about the quality of housing being provided by landlords, with 14.3 per cent of privately rented homes having at least one serious home hazard. Analysis of the data indicates that some landlords are either unaware of licensing and quality requirements or wilfully ignoring them.   

Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth said: "Additional licensing conditions would enable us to hold landlords accountable to protect tenants and local neighbourhoods.  

"Landlords must adhere to the good quality standards we expect from properties in our borough. 

"I would urge residents to have their say so we can continue to support their needs and provide safe, good quality homes." 

The consultation is now live and runs until midnight on Sunday 11 January 2026.   

Feedback will be considered by the council's Cabinet in February 2026 before a final decision on whether to implement the scheme is made.   

To find out more and have your say, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hmo-additional-licensing