Gloucester consultation launched to tackle rogue landlords in rental housing
Two proposals aim to improve living conditions in private rented homes
Gloucester City Council has initiated consultations to address the challenges posed by unregulated houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and enhance the quality of private rented housing.
The council aims to tackle issues such as overcrowding, poor conditions, and housing insecurity, commonly associated with HMOs, while supporting landlords who offer safe homes.
The consultations focus on two proposals: city-wide licensing for all HMOs, including those with fewer than five occupants, and planning permission requirements for converting family homes to small HMOs in selected wards.
Cllr Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council, emphasised the importance of regulating HMOs to raise standards and maintain balanced communities.
Gloucester has approximately 1,680 HMOs, with only around 340 currently licensed.
The consultations will gather input from residents, landlords, tenants, and stakeholders until 11th May.
Public meetings are scheduled for 15th April.