Hillingdon council in London has approved the swift introduction of a borough-wide Article 4 Direction increasing its powers to control new HMOs.
The power removes permitted development rights which currently allow a family home to be converted into a small HMO for three to six people without planning permission. All owners must now obtain planning permission before changing the use of a property to any size of HMO.
Planning permission has always been required for any large HMOs for more than six people.
The new requirements will come into effect “as soon as possible” according to a council statement.
The council’s existing Article 4 Direction for small HMOs covering the former Brunel and Uxbridge South wards will be cancelled and replaced by the borough-wide requirements.
A spokesperson say: “Too many communities have felt the impact of poorly managed HMOs from overcrowding and anti-social behaviour to properties that simply aren’t fit for purpose.
“Residents have told us that the situation in some areas has become a scourge on their neighbourhoods and based on these reports, we must take action. These new measures give us far stronger powers to control where HMOs can be set up and to properly hold landlords to account.
“For many people, HMOs offer an affordable and flexible housing option, and good landlords play an important role in providing that. These powers will help us work with responsible landlords while making sure HMOs are in the right locations and meet the standards our residents rightly expect.”
The council commissioned an independent housing tenure survey in July 2025 to explore a range of enhanced restrictions. It found private renting in Hillingdon had increased by 52 per cent since 2011 and now makes up 25% of all residential properties. Analysis predicts 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% of privately rented homes allegedly having at least one serious home hazard.
