Council to explore tightened rules on smaller HMO licences
New rules, including the requirement for landlords in the district to apply for licences for smaller houses in multiple occupancy (HMO), are being explored by Three Rivers District Council.
Following a meeting of Full Council on Tuesday, 21 October, the council will be reviewing if an additional licencing scheme, which would require landlords of small HMOs occupied by less than five occupants to apply to the council for a licence, could be introduced.
Currently, a national mandatory licence is required for any HMO that is accommodating five or more residents in two or more separate households.
The removal of specific permitted development rights, known as an Article 4 Direction, that would tighten controls and regulations on the conversion of a property to a HMO, will also be explored for implementation in the whole or certain areas of the district.
The council already publishes a register of HMO licences granted. To improve transparency, the council will be reviewing the option of publishing the addresses of HMO licence applications that are pending consideration so that communities are aware of potential applications in their area.
To ensure further transparency and democratic accountability while complying with legal obligations, officers will prepare an HMO Licencing Policy for consideration at a future Policy and Resources committee for implementation.
Cllr Steve Drury, Leader Member for Community Engagement, Public Safety and Housing, said: “The safety of our residents are paramount, and while HMOs provide an affordable and flexible option for tenants, clearly improved transparency on HMOs and licences are needed in order to alleviate concerns residents may have.
“We will continue to strengthen our partnership working with the police, residents and landlords to reduce concerns, such as anti-social behaviour, for effective enforcement and intelligence gathering to protect tenants and residents.”
Once ready, recommendations on the implementation of an additional licencing scheme and Article Four Direction will go before councillors on the Policy and Resources Committee on 26 January 2026 for consideration. The HMO Licencing Policy will go to a future Policy and Resources Committee after the additional licencing scheme and Article Four Direction is considered at the committee meeting in January.