Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.
Reigate & Banstead Council Proposes Stricter HMO Planning Rules
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has announced plans to tighten planning regulations for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) after a significant increase in complaints about these private rental properties. The council is consulting landlords, tenants, and freeholders on a proposal to introduce an Article 4 Direction that would remove permitted development rights for HMOs rented by at least three people from more than one household who share facilities.
If implemented, the Article 4 Direction would require landlords seeking to convert properties into HMOs of this type to apply for full planning permission. This would allow the council to assess each proposal’s location, design, accommodation standards, and potential impact on neighbours and communities. Currently, only larger HMOs with seven or more residents require planning permission in the borough.
Reigate & Banstead joins a growing number of councils in England taking similar steps. According to The Negotiator, almost a third of local authorities in England have imposed Article 4 Directions, which require planning permission for HMOs. The council’s consultation on the proposed changes will run for eight weeks from 30 July to 24 September 2026. If approved, the Article 4 Direction would come into effect on 30 July 2027.
Letting agents and inventory clerks operating in the area should be aware of these proposed changes, as they may affect the process for converting and managing HMO properties in Reigate and Banstead.
Source: The Negotiator