Burnley Council proposes borough-wide HMO licensing scheme to improve housing standards

Burnley Council is stepping up its approach to managing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), with proposals for additional licensing across the borough to improve housing standards, protect tenants and address residents’ concerns about poorly managed properties.

A report going to the council’s Executive on November 25 seeks approval to consult on introducing a borough wide additional HMO licensing scheme, giving the Council greater control of smaller shared properties which currently fall outside mandatory HMO licensing.

The proposals form part of the council’s ongoing work to respond to concerns about the number, concentration and management of HMOs in Burnley and their impact on surrounding neighbourhoods.

Coun. Howard Baker, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning at Burnley Council, said: “We know residents have genuine concerns about the number of HMOs in Burnley, how some properties are managed and the impact they can have on neighbourhoods. We are listening to those concerns and acting.

“Everyone deserves to live in a safe, decent home, and residents should be able to feel confident that properties in their neighbourhood are being properly managed.

“While shared accommodation meets a housing need for some people, it must be of a good standard, properly managed and appropriate for the communities in which it is located. “

The proposed scheme would bring smaller HMOs, typically properties occupied by three or four people from different households, into a licensing scheme, helping the council identify poor conditions, improve management standards and hold landlords accountable.

These measures form part of the council’s wider approach to managing HMOs and responding to residents’ concerns. The Article 4 proposals would give the council greater planning control over the creation of new HMOs, while additional licensing would focus on improving the safety, condition and management of shared properties.

The council is also strengthening its approach to housing enforcement through a revised Housing Enforcement Policy, reflecting new powers introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

The policy provides a clear and consistent framework for tackling poor housing conditions and landlords who fail to meet their legal responsibilities, including enforcement notices, financial penalties and prosecution where appropriate.

The policy confirms that landlords who break housing laws could face financial penalties of up to £40,000 for certain serious offences.

Coun. Baker added: “We welcome responsible landlords who look after their properties and tenants, but those who ignore the rules or put people’s safety at risk must understand that there will be serious consequences. We are determined to raise standards, protect residents and ensure landlords are held accountable.”

If approved, the additional HMO licensing proposals will be subject to a public consultation lasting at least ten weeks, giving residents, tenants, landlords, letting agents and local organisations the opportunity to have their say.

Burnley Council is encouraging residents to report concerns about unsafe rented accommodation, poorly maintained properties or badly managed HMOs.

Residents can report concerns to Burnley Council’s Housing team by emailing [email protected] or by telephone 01282 425011.