Tamworth Borough Council is urging residents, tenants, landlords and letting agents to take part in a public consultation on proposed additional licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The deadline for responses is 20 August 2026, leaving one month for submissions.
The consultation seeks views on extending licensing requirements to HMOs occupied by three or four people. Currently, only larger HMOs with five or more occupants must be licensed by law.
What is an HMO?
A HMO is defined as a property occupied by three or more people forming two or more households who share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or WC.
Current situation in Tamworth
There are 131 known HMOs in the borough, with a further 29 under review. However, due to the lack of a requirement to register smaller HMOs, the true number is believed to be higher. Recent months have seen a noticeable increase in the number of new four-bedroom HMOs being let in the area.
Without licensing requirements, these properties are typically only inspected if a complaint is made. Evidence shows that unlicensed HMOs can present serious issues, particularly around fire safety and safe means of escape, often due to a lack of awareness of legal responsibilities.
Why the council is proposing change
The proposed additional licensing scheme aims to address this gap by making sure all HMOs meet required safety and quality standards. It would enable proactive inspections and stronger enforcement where necessary.
HMOs provide an important source of affordable and flexible housing for a wide range of people in the borough, including students, young professionals, individuals on lower incomes, single or divorced people, and those seeking social interaction.
Councillor Ben Clarke, portfolio holder for housing, homelessness and planning, said: "There's still time for people to have their say on these important proposals. Whether you're a tenant, landlord or local resident, your feedback will help shape how we regulate and support smaller HMOs in the future."
He added: "HMOs play an important role in providing affordable and flexible accommodation for many people across the borough, and we want to ensure they are safe, well managed and provide good-quality homes for tenants. The proposed additional licensing scheme is about supporting responsible landlords, protecting residents and giving the council the tools it needs to identify and address issues before they become more serious."
How to respond
The consultation closes on 20 August 2026. Tamworth Borough Council is seeking a wide range of views to ensure any future licensing scheme reflects the needs of local communities while helping improve housing standards across the borough.