Gloucester City Council is the latest local authority to ‘get tough’ on HMO landlords after announcing both expanded licensing and restrictions for this class of rented property.

Citing increased complaints about HMOs and also blaming their residents for crime and anti-social behavior, the council is now planning to bring smaller HMOs with three or more tenants into its licensing clutches via an ‘additional’ schem. It is to also bring in an ‘article 4’ direction requiring all landlords seeking to convert a property into an HMO to seek planning permission first, which the council first proposed in December last year.

Both initiatives are to be voted on by councilors at its next full cabinet meeting on 10th December, although details of fees have been published yet, although if given the green light by councilors, could go live at an unspecified date next year.

As a guide, the city’s mandatory HMO licensing scheme for larger properties costs £915 for first five-year license and £775 to renew.

Landlords who do not license their HMOs through either the mandatory or the looming additional scheme face penalties of up to £30,000, although this ceiling is due to rise to £40,000 once the Renters’ Rights Act is implemented fully next year.

Planning restrictions

The council is to bring in the article 4 planning restrictions within seven wards, namely Kingsholm and Wotton, Westgate, Barton and Tredworth, Moreland, Kingsway and Elmbridge.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, the council’s leader says: "The council plans to enforce stricter regulations on Houses in Multiple Occupation in Gloucester to address the issue of HMO saturation, especially where family homes are frequently converted.

“Many conversions occur without licensing or planning permission, affecting local communities.

“The council aims to introduce mandatory HMO licensing across Gloucester and implement an Article 4 Direction in certain wards, requiring planning permission for HMOs with six or fewer residents.

“While quality landlords will continue to receive support, those providing poor housing or exploiting tenants must cooperate with the council to avoid legal action.”

Read the most recent report into the licensing scheme.