UK Residents Voice Concerns Over Influx of Houses in Multiple Occupation

Residents on Princes Street in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, are expressing growing frustration over the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which they claim are eroding their community and diminishing their quality of life. Long-term inhabitants describe a street once characterized by close-knit neighborly relations that has transformed into a transient area with increased noise, parking issues, and overflowing bins.

Matriarch Cynthia Leveridge, who has resided on the street for 47 years, voiced her dismay at the changes. "It used to be lovely here. Everyone knew everyone. It used to be quiet. Children could play in the park. That's all changed now," she said. Residents accuse local authorities of overlooking the issue as numerous three-bedroom terrace properties have been converted into HMOs, with landlords maximizing profits by housing more tenants.

The situation intensified on September 15 when the owners of a property at number 13 Princes Street, already licensed as an HMO for six tenants, applied for permission to house ten people. The original three-bedroom home had been renovated to include six bedrooms, and the latest plans aimed to further subdivide rooms and install additional cooking facilities. The application was approved with conditions, despite residents likening the property to a hotel rather than a home.

An HMO is officially defined as any property shared by at least three people from more than one household, who share facilities like bathrooms or kitchens. The demand for shared housing has increased, with a 2.3 percent rise in demand from 2024 to 2025, as single renters and couples find it increasingly difficult to afford independent accommodation. This surge has prompted landlords to convert properties to capitalize on per-room rental income.

Nationally, applications to convert homes into HMOs rose from 41,162 in 2018 to 57,725 in 2024, with an estimated 472,823 HMOs in the UK by 2025. The increase in HMOs has also been linked to government efforts to house asylum seekers. Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged that dispersed accommodation, including HMOs, is a tool for housing asylum seekers during their claim assessment. While the government has pledged to use larger, basic accommodation, over 72,000 asylum seekers are currently housed in non-hotel accommodations, including HMOs. In 2023, 28,000 asylum seekers were placed in 6,000 HMOs.

Mansfield Council's official records indicate only three licensed HMOs on Princes Street. However, this figure is misleading as the council only requires licenses for 'large HMOs' housing five or more tenants, not for all properties meeting the legal definition of an HMO (three or more tenants). Consequently, the actual number of HMOs on the street remains unknown. Arthur, a 36-year-old renter on the street, stated, "There are definitely more than they're saying." He noted that house prices are pricing out ordinary families, and landlords charge high rents for rooms.

Property prices on Princes Street have seen a 36 percent increase over the past year, with average house prices around £143,000 and semi-detached properties averaging £181,000. The street's proximity to a train station and a hospital makes it attractive to students and healthcare workers.

Residents have reported issues such as pavement parking, noise, and unsanitary conditions due to overflowing bins. "Every house that becomes available, landlords come looking for a quick buck. These are two-up, two-down houses for families, not for HMOs," said Florence, who has lived on the street her entire life. Some residents also expressed concerns about new arrivals struggling with English and basic council rules.

To address the issue, Mansfield Council could implement an 'Article 4 Direction,' which would require all HMO conversions to seek planning permission, granting the council greater control. Local MP Steve Yemm supports this measure, stating, "I believe the council should seriously consider introducing an Article 4 Direction, alongside reviewing current licensing arrangements, to give local communities a greater say over the spread of HMOs and ensure development is properly managed."

A spokesperson for Mansfield Council acknowledged residents' concerns and stated that the council is reviewing HMO numbers and distribution across Mansfield. "As part of this work, we are considering the range of planning powers available to local authorities, including whether an Article 4 direction may be appropriate," the spokesperson said. Any decision will be based on evidence and a thorough assessment of local circumstances.

For the residents of Princes Street, the changes represent a significant shift from a close-knit community to a transient environment, with many feeling that action may come too late to restore their neighborhood's former character.