The petition of residents of the constituency of Old Bexley and Sidcup,
Declares that the rise in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) within the Old Bexley and Sidcup constituency is having a detrimental impact on the local community, leading to anti-social behaviour, parking pressures and pressure on local amenities and services; notes that this uncontrolled growth in HMOs is leading to a loss of family homes, preventing families from getting on to the property ladder and preventing couples from starting a family; further declares that the powers available to the local council are not sufficient to prevent the loss of family homes and over-proliferation of HMOs; and further notes that a corresponding online petition on this issue has received a separate 2,347 signatures.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to introduce new legislation to prevent the loss of family homes through conversion to houses in multiple occupation; and to ask the Mayor of London to ensure the next London plan realises the vital role of family homes in Bexley and provides protection for them against being divided into HMOs.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr Louie French, Official Report, 10 March 2026; Vol. 782, c. 295.]
[P003167]
Observations from the Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook):
Houses in Multiple Occupation can play an important part in the housing market providing relatively low-cost accommodation for rent.
National permitted development rights are a grant of planning permission for certain types of development set out in legislation. Under the planning system, a permitted development right allows a house, in the C3 dwellinghouse use class, to change use to a small HMO, in the C4 use class, for up to six people sharing facilities, without the need for a planning application. Larger HMOs require an application for planning permission.
Local planning authorities already have powers to limit the proliferation of HMOs through article 4 directions. This would mean any change of use to both large and small HMOs would require an application for planning permission, which is determined in accordance with the development plan for the area and provides an opportunity for local people to comment.
I note that Bexley council have already introduced a borough-wide article 4 direction to ensure that all proposals for new HMQs can be considered locally, in consultation with the local community. It is important that local areas have relevant, up-to-date policies in place against which any planning applications or appeals will be determined.
The National Planning Policy Framework requires local authorities to plan to meet housing needs. The size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community should be assessed and reflected in the development plan and other planning policies, which are publicly available. Any concerns about the mix of housing locally should therefore be raised with the local planning authority.
In relation to HMO licensing, under the Housing Act 2004 local authorities have powers to license HMOs to ensure they are safe, well-maintained and properly managed. Local authorities must license HMOs where five or more people from two or more separate households share facilities—mandatory licensing. Following consultation, local authorities can also choose to license smaller HMOs where three or four people from two or more separate households share facilities—additional licensing.
A licensed HMO property must meet mandatory conditions around fire safety, minimum room size and provision of amenities. The licence holder—and manager, where relevant—must undergo a fit and proper person test. Local authorities can also add bespoke licence conditions, for example to improve facilities, and have the power to inspect licensed HMOs without notice where they believe an offence is being committed under HMO legislation.
All HMOs, regardless of whether they require a licence, must also comply with the HMO management regulations. These impose duties on the manager of an HMO—typically the landlord—including providing adequate bins and waste collection.
Where a landlord fails to license an HMO, or does not comply with HMO licence conditions or the HMO management regulations, local authorities can prosecute them, impose civil penalties of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution, or seek a banning order. A landlord who commits a serious offence, such as failing to obtain a mandatory licence, could also be subject to a rent repayment order, where they can be ordered to repay up to 12 months of rent to a tenant or local authority.
The Government will keep the powers to regulate HMOs under review.