As part of a drive to improve standards of shared housing in the borough, Ealing Council is carrying out up to 80 HMO licence inspections each month.

The growing number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) is a symptom of the fact that supply of new homes being built is not keeping pace with the demand for housing. The council is working on improving the supply of new homes by both building and bulk buying homes under construction, but this takes time.

While many landlords operate responsibly, a minority continue to flout the rules, contributing to issues such as noise, waste, overcrowding, and antisocial behaviour. Over the past 3 years, complaints to the council that are linked to HMOs have risen, ranging from persistent noise to concerns about tenant safety.

So, to address these problems, council officers now carry out around 60 to 80 inspections every month, and also issue approximately 800 new private rented property licences for all property types including HMOs, to drive up standards for the people who live in HMOs and their neighbours.

Planning rules

In November, the council introduced new borough‑wide planning rules to better manage both the number and quality of HMOs.

Previously, planning permission was only required for large HMOs housing 7 or more people. Under the updated rules, all new HMOs, regardless of size must now apply for planning permission, allowing the council to properly assess their suitability and the potential impact on neighbourhoods.

Since the rules came into force, a proportion of HMO planning applications have been refused or withdrawn as landlords adjust to the stronger requirements.

Improving standards

All HMOs in the borough must be licensed, meaning landlords have to meet legally binding conditions for the management and upkeep of their properties.

The council’s inspections check if the HMOs comply with safety standards, and if they are being managed properly and according to the rules. These visits give officers the opportunity to intervene early if concerns arise. If the property owner fails to facilitate an inspection, their property will be treated as unlicensed.

Around 1,700 HMOs are currently licensed in the borough.

The council also has dedicated enforcement officers whose job is to focus on waste‑related issues linked to HMOs and other rented properties.

‘Proactive steps to raise standards’

Council leader Peter Mason said: “We’re taking action to protect our communities and raise standards in the private rented sector. By inspecting hundreds of properties and issuing new licences, we’re taking proactive steps to keep people safe in their homes and tackle rogue landlords who exploit their tenants.”

Councillor Shital Manro, the council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes added: “We understand that many people are concerned by the rising number of HMOs and residents deserve reassurance that these properties are safe and well managed. We are delivering this through stronger planning rules and rigorous checks, ensuring that affordable housing is safe and accessible to those who need it. We are also seeking to tackle the root cause and boost the number of affordable new homes in the borough.”

Got concerns?

You can report any concerns relating to an HMO by visiting the council website.

For more information and guidance on applying to convert a property in the borough of Ealing, visit the council website.