Call for a cut in the number of licensed HMOs

A council is being urged to introduce tighter restrictions on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to prevent "constant complaints" from residents.

The Labour group on West Northamptonshire Council has recommended slashing the permitted density of HMOs from a concentration of 10% within a 50-mile radius to 5%.

It also called for more obligations on landlords to ensure adequate facilities for tenants including parking, more frequent council inspections, and tough action against unauthorised HMOs.

"The council will continue to take firm enforcement action against unlicensed HMOs and those that fail to meet required management standards," said a spokesperson for the Reform UK-run authority.

There were 1,006 licensed HMOs in Northampton as of June 2024, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said there were also currently about 400 properties under investigation as suspected HMOs.

The authority has been seeking people's opinions to help shape its new policy on HMOs, which will form part of the authority's Local Plan to guide development in the area until 2043.

Sally Keeble, Labour group leader on the council, said HMOs were a "constant complaint" from residents.

She said: "People see family homes being sold off, turned into HMOs, and then a constant churn of people moving in and out of their street with a big impact on the local environment and community.

"Everyone deserves a decent home in a good community. But, at present, the HMO rules are working in the favour of the landlords and their HMOs and against the local residents who have an enduring stake in their homes and communities."

Charlie Hastie, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "My view is that well-run HMOs can provide a very useful part of the housing sector, if we are rooting out the bad and encouraging the good.

"Unlicensed and illegal HMOs have no place in WNC or society in general."