HMOs in the London borough of Brent must now win planning consent and meet a new set of criteria to ensure they provide suitable, good quality living spaces.

Landlords interested in letting out new HMOs across most of the borough will be required to seek planning permission in line with the guidelines in the new HMO Supplementary Planning Document, nicknamed the SPD.

The guidance sets out the minimum amount of space required for tenants in bedrooms and communal spaces along with a requirement to be well connected to public transport and close to shops. Landlords will also need to provide a plan for the management and upkeep of the property.

HMOs operating before this date will need to ensure they have a private sector landlord licence and building regulations approval. If there are more than six occupants, they also require the necessary planning permission.

A council spokesperson says: “We have around 17,000 HMOs across the borough, with the majority run well and providing a good standard of accommodation for our residents.

“However, there are unfortunately some cases where landlords have let standards slip impacting both the tenants and neighbours.

“Everyone deserves to live in safe and suitable accommodation and our new guidelines will ensure HMO landlords are providing a good standard of service in an appropriate setting.”