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Closed Establish a cap on Homes of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) in stressed communities

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We call on the government to set a firm planning cap - to be adhered to by local authorities - on the level of flatlet and HMO development of a maximum 10 per 1,000 population. We believe this would help ensure that community infrastructure, character and cohesion are not stressed or destroyed.

The town where I live was a beautiful place. However, after decades of neglect, it has become an almost semi-derelict industrial town. We believe this deterioration has been exacerbated by the Home Office's use of the town to house Migrants and newly Released Offenders from outside the area, accommodating them in HMOs and flat units – in a town where there are precious few job opportunities.

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  • Related activity

    Government responds to petition on Regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation

    The Government has responded to a public (paper) petition calling for a new legislation to regulate and lessen the proliferation of houses in multiple occupation; and to ask that each local authority publishes their strategy and policies on HMOs. The petition was presented to the House of Commons by Emma Lewell MP on behalf of residents of the constituency of South Shields.

    The petition asks the House of Commons to urge the Government to introduce new legislation to regulate and lessen the proliferation of houses in multiple occupation; and to ask that each local authority publishes their strategy and policies on HMOs.

    In response to the petition's request, the Government states that HMOs provide low‑cost accommodation. Permitted development rights allow a house to change to a small HMO without a planning application, while larger HMOs need permission. Local authorities can restrict small HMOs using an article 4 direction so all HMOs require planning permission aligned with up‑to‑date local policies. Authorities must plan for housing needs and publish policies.

    Under the Housing Act 2004, authorities can license HMOs to ensure they are safe, well‑maintained and properly managed, including mandatory and additional licensing. Licensed HMOs must meet conditions, and authorities can inspect without notice. All HMOs must comply with management regulations. Authorities can prosecute landlords, issue civil penalties up to £30,000, seek banning orders or rent repayment orders. The Government keep the powers to regulate HMOs under review.

    What are public (paper) petitions?

    A public (paper) petition is a petition to the House of Commons presented by an MP.

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  • Petition closed

  • Related activity

    HMO planning consent: debate in Parliament

    On 4 November, MPs debated planning consent for houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in Parliament.

    This was a Westminster Hall debate led by Steve Yemm MP. Housing Minister Samantha Dixon MP responded on behalf of the Government.

    Explainer

    Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to debate a topic of their choice, and receive a response from the Government.

    They are a way to:

    • raise awareness of an issue
    • seek to influence government policy
    • put the views of backbench MPs, political parties, and the Government on record.

    They do not involve a vote on a particular action or decision.

    See our visual explainer on how these debates work.

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  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 3 December 2025.