Another London Labour council wants to renew its licensing regime for smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). 

The current Ealing council scheme ends in April 2027, and the council is proposing to extend it for up to another five years to 2032.

A statement says: “Licensing inspections can uncover problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

“In 2023, inspectors visited a shared flat in Ealing after a licence application was made. They found a bed hidden behind curtains in a shared kitchen and living area. The arrangement created a fire risk and gave the tenant no privacy. 

“The council ordered the landlord to remove the sleeping area. Without the licensing scheme, the unsafe setup may never have been uncovered.”

A council spokesperson comments: “We know that many people rely on shared housing as an affordable place to live. But some rented HMOs fall below the standards people should expect.

“Our inspections continue to find serious hazards, unsafe conditions, and poor management in too many shared homes. This consultation is an opportunity for everyone with an interest in private renting to help shape how we keep improving standards across the borough in the years ahead.”

The council also claims that council inspectors identified 4,890 housing hazards during inspections of more than 900 HMOs over the past two years. 

Around two thirds of inspected properties had hazards that needed attention. 

The council also recorded 3,649 antisocial behaviour incidents linked to known HMO properties between April 2021 and April 2026.

The council statement then adds: 

“Property licensing forms part of a wider programme of work to raise standards in privately rented homes across the borough.

“The council carries out inspections, investigates unlicensed properties, takes enforcement action against landlords who break the rules, supports tenants facing illegal eviction or harassment, and works with responsible landlords to help them meet legal requirements. 

“It also works closely with partners, including the police and London Fire Brigade, to deal with housing issues and antisocial behaviour.”

Since April 2025, the council has issued 28 civil penalties for unlicensed HMOs and helped bring 56 unlicensed properties into the licensing system.

The consultation for the renewed licensing system goes on until September 24.