Is it Game Over for HMOs?
Summary
An analysis of 144 English councils suggests planning refusals for HMOs have more than doubled over the past five years, alongside tighter licensing and wider use of Article 4 directions. The article argues that while councils are targeting poor-quality accommodation, blanket restrictions may also be reducing the supply of well-managed shared housing.
Why it matters
HMOs are a significant part of the lower-cost rental market, so changes in planning and licensing policy can affect local housing supply, tenant demand and compliance expectations. Surveyors advising landlords, investors or local authorities may see increased scrutiny of shared housing schemes and the standards applied to them.
Key points
- Planning refusals for HMOs rose from 590 to 1,203 in the analysis cited.
- Approval rates were broadly stable at 68% from 2021 to 2023, then fell in 2024, 2025 and to 63% so far in 2026.
- Article 4 directions are being used by councils to remove permitted development rights for HMO conversions.
- Licensing is being used more strictly to address fire safety, room sizes and basic living standards.
- The article warns that blanket restrictions may push demand into less visible and potentially less safe accommodation.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
