Reform UK MPs have called for the introduction of mandatory licensing and training requirements for landlords and agents managing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), citing concerns over property management standards and community impact.
Lee Anderson, Reform MP for Ashfield, told the House of Commons that “anyone can set up an HMO overnight, with no qualifications, no training and no checks.” He argued that the issue is not HMOs themselves but their management.
Anderson proposed legislative measures including licensing for HMO managers and owners, alongside mandatory qualifications, training and accountability requirements. “Landlords and managers must also be held accountable for managing their properties, as well as for disruptive behaviour,” he said.
Party concerns over community impact
Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice claimed that the “proliferation of these houses in multiple occupation is leading to whole streets being transformed and communities being torn apart,” describing consequences including “rubbish, mess, destitution, disruption and utter chaos”.
The proposals come as the property sector faces increasing regulatory scrutiny. Recent reports have highlighted gaps in industry knowledge, with four in ten letting agents unaware of rent advance restrictions under current legislation.
Government response
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook responded that “HMOs can play an important role in the housing market, providing relatively low-cost accommodation for rent,” whilst acknowledging it is “crucial that HMOs are safe and well managed”.
Pennycook stated that local councils already possess “robust powers to tackle landlords who breach HMO regulations”, including civil penalties, rent repayment orders and banning orders.
The debate reflects broader challenges facing the lettings sector, which has seen business rates increases prompting agents to consider job cuts in recent months.
The proposals would represent a significant regulatory expansion for the HMO sector if implemented, potentially affecting thousands of landlords and property managers across England and Wales. No timeline has been provided for potential legislation.
