New HMO planning controls implemented in Streatham

Lambeth Council has implemented new House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) planning restrictions in the council wards of Streatham Common & Vale and Streatham St. Leonard’s.

According to the council, residents of both wards had expressed concern about the high number of HMOs and associated impacts such as anti-social behaviour, loss of family homes and impact on the character of the area.

Consultation

A public consultation on the proposed HMO Article 4 Direction took place between 12 August and 7 October 2024. The council received 153 representations of which 102 supported the proposed changes.

From 11 August 2025, planning permission is required to change a single family home into an HMO occupied by 3 to 6 people in these two council wards. Larger HMOs occupied by 7 or more people already required planning consent. When assessing HMO planning applications, the council will be able to consider matters such as loss of family homes, and impact on local amenity and parking.

While the changes are not retrospective, existing HMO landlords may be asked by the property licensing team to prove they have established use.

Councillor Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council (Housing, Investment and New Homes) said:

“We are taking firm action to address the negative impacts of HMOs on our residents. This planning mechanism will help control the number and impact of any additional HMOs, protecting family homes and our local communities.

“With this decision, we will progress a key priority of our Housing Strategy – supporting healthy and safe neighbourhoods.”

Whilst HMO planning restrictions can help to preserve family homes, they can also reduce flexibility in the rental market and reduce choice for tenants seeking more affordable shared accommodation. According to research by London Property Licensing, two thirds of London Boroughs have now implemented HMO planning restrictions. Whilst some HMO Article 4 Directions cover individual streets, others cover council wards and some extend borough wide.

Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in Lambeth is available here.