Gloucester City Council is preparing to tighten regulations on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) amid growing concerns over safety and anti-social behaviour. HMOs are properties where three or more people from different households share facilities like kitchens and bathrooms.
While many HMOs are properly managed, the rise of unregulated ones in Gloucester has led to problems such as overcrowding, poor living conditions, and housing insecurity. These properties have also been linked to increased community complaints, crime, and anti-social behaviour.
Additional issues include waste management challenges, fly-tipping, parking pressure, and a strain on council services including waste collection and housing maintenance. Moreover, unregulated HMOs contribute to reducing affordable housing availability, as landlords often pay more for properties suitable for multiple tenants.
Currently, only HMOs with five or more tenants require a licence, with landlords facing fines up to £30,000 for non-compliance—a penalty set to increase to £40,000 under upcoming government changes. The council’s proposed plan would mandate licensing for all HMOs to ensure properties meet health and safety standards and are well managed.
The council is also considering introducing an Article 4 Direction to require planning permission for converting properties into HMOs in areas with high concentrations. This measure targets wards including Kingsholm and Wotton, Westgate, Barton and Tredworth, Moreland, Kingsway, and Elmbridge.
If approved, these restrictions could be implemented in 2026 for licensing and by April 2027 for planning permissions, following public consultations.
Council leader Jeremy Hilton, who raised concerns while in opposition about family homes being converted into HMOs, emphasized the importance of this policy. He stated, “This undermines community cohesion in wards like Kingsholm and Wotton and others across the city. The Liberal Democrat administration is fulfilling a manifesto pledge and key action within the council’s corporate plan.” The upcoming cabinet report scheduled for December 10 aims to bring comprehensive HMO licensing and Article 4 Directions to affected areas, backed by strong support from the overview and scrutiny committee.