Consultation on potential HMO licences under new policy

Under the new HMO licensing policy, which sets out how Three Rivers District Council officers will determine applications and what powers the council has in relation to HMO licences, immediate neighbours of a property subject to an HMO licence application will now be notified. They will be able to provide comments for officers to consider when assessing whether any additional conditions should be placed on a licence, if granted.

Ward, county and parish councillors for the area in which the property is located, as well as the council’s anti‑social behaviour team, will also be notified and may submit comments for officers to review.

The council already publishes a register of granted HMO licences. Under the new policy, and to further improve transparency, the addresses of properties with HMO licence applications pending consideration will also be published online so that communities are aware of applications in their area.

Cllr Steve Drury, Lead Member for Community Engagement, Public Safety and Housing, said:

“I made a public promise last year to improve transparency on HMOs and licences to give affected residents the tools to raise any concerns they may have. I am very pleased that we have done just that under the new policy.

“The HMO licensing policy will enhance transparency for all parties on how HMO licences are determined and will ensure they are safe and suitable for tenants, whilst empowering residents and partners to have a say on any additional licence conditions that officers may consider.

“As I’ve always said, HMOs provide affordable and flexible housing to tenants, but they must be in the right place and residents in the immediate area must be given the chance to have their say on licensing applications.”

The HMO policy was approved by councillors at the Policy and Resources Committee on Monday 29 June.

Cllr Stephen Giles‑Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “This, along with our work to prepare an Article 4 Direction based on new evidence to remove permitted development rights for HMOs with up to six occupants, which will come into force by this time next year, shows that we are taking residents’ concerns seriously while still allowing properly regulated and managed HMOs.

“The Article 4 Direction will tighten controls and regulations on the conversion of properties into HMOs across the district and will require planning permission.”

Any representations concerning the introduction of the Article 4 Direction should be sent to the council by 16 August 2026. Representations can be made by emailing localplanconsult@threerivers.gov.uk or by post to:

Planning Policy, Three Rivers District Council, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 1RL