HMO Planning Refusals Double Across English Councils
Lettings

HMO Planning Refusals Double Across English Councils

By Jordan Hale, Senior Lettings Editor · 1 September 2026 · 1 min read

Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Letting Agent Today. Read the original article for full details.

HMO Planning Refusals Double in Five Years

A new analysis indicates that planning refusals for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have doubled over the past five years. This period has seen councils increase licensing and other measures to limit the growth of HMOs.

According to property company 1st Avenue, an analysis of 144 English councils found that the number of HMO planning refusals rose from 590 to 1,203. The report highlights the impact of local authority actions on HMO supply.

This development is relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks monitoring changes in the rental sector and local authority policies.


Source: Letting Agent Today
About the author
Jordan Hale
Senior Lettings Editor

Jordan Hale leads The Property AI's lettings coverage with a focus on UK rental legislation, agent compliance, and the day-to-day pressures facing letting agents. Articles bylined Jordan Hale combine current trade reporting with practical guidance for letting agents and inventory…

Specialises in: Renters' Rights Act, EPC regulations, tenancy deposit schemes, agent licensing, Right to Rent compliance.

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