Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking (1) to reduce the number of unlicensed houses in multiple occupation, and (2) to promote safe and uncrowded living conditions for those affected.

All local authorities are required to license houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in which five or more people from two or more households share facilities. Through additional licensing, local authorities also have the power to require HMOs to be licensed where three or more unrelated people share facilities.

The Government is determined to crack down on rogue landlords who let out unlicenced HMOs. Through the Housing and Planning Act 2016 we put measures in place that make it easier for local authorities to effectively tackle unlicensed HMOs, introducing civil penalties of up to £30,000 and Rent Repayment Orders for a wide range of offences.

Regardless of whether a property is subject to HMO licensing, local authorities have powers under the Housing Act 2004 to tackle overcrowding. Where a local authority finds serious overcrowding, assessed as a category one hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), they have a duty to take enforcement action.