Landlords with homes covered by Tandridge Council now face tougher restrictions on converting small HMOs after councillors voted to bring in an immediate Article 4 direction.

A report cited evidence of a rapid rise in small HMOs in Whyteleafe, Caterham Valley and Caterham Hill during the last year, largely through permitted development rights that allow family homes to be converted without planning permission.

It adds that strong transport links, relative affordability and commercial demand had made these areas increasingly attractive to landlords. “Evidence from officers, ward councillors, site visits and service teams shows an over concentration of HMOs, leading to parking stress, poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour, drainage issues and erosion of local character.”

Complaints

Complaints to the council’s licensing team have risen steadily, from zero in 2018 to 31 in 2025, with 27 of these relating to Caterham and Whyteleafe. Officer site visits have also identified sub-standard accommodation, drainage issues, and untidy land.

A resident told the council's recent planning policy committee meeting that developers had “descended on Whyteleafe” since 2022, with the pace of conversions accelerating dramatically. She accused some landlords of being “economical with the truth” to bypass rules.

Figures

Council figures show 13 HMOs were licensed in 2025 compared with four in 2024. Councillors heard that the increase had been driven partly by people moving out of London.

Councillor Martin Redman said Westway, in Caterham, had seen nearly a five-fold increase in HMOs last year while family homes were being lost at an alarming rate.

The council will now launch a public consultation and a final decision on whether to confirm the Article 4 direction will return to councillors later this year.

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