Croydon cracks down on illegal HMOs

Croydon cracks down on illegal HMOs

0:06 AM, 3rd February 2025, About 2 hours ago

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Croydon Council has escalated its efforts against unauthorised housing developments, particularly Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). 

In recent weeks, officers from planning enforcement and HMO teams inspected 21 properties suspected of being unauthorised HMOs.

They visited properties in Thornton Heath, Norbury, New Addington, Central Croydon, Addiscombe and Purley.

The council says that ‘multiple violations’ of planning regulations and the Housing Act (2004) were discovered.

It is now pursuing action against those responsible.

‘Landlords operating unauthorised HMOs’

Jason Perry, the executive mayor of Croydon, said: “Unauthorised HMOs and developments can be a blight on our neighbourhoods.

“Landlords operating unauthorised HMOs are warned that these should not operate in Croydon without planning consent.

“It is my priority to protect the unique character of our neighbourhoods, and we will take enforcement action where breaches are made.”

He added: “We have made significant progress in investigating breaches and will persevere to resolve all cases.”

He also promised to resolve resident concerns when they are reported.

HMOs can provide valuable housing

While acknowledging that well-managed HMOs can provide valuable housing, Croydon implemented stricter planning controls in January 2020 through an Article 4 direction.

Mr Perry has prioritised planning enforcement, with the Local Plan Review introducing policies to ensure new construction complements Croydon’s distinct character.

The council says it has reduced its backlog of open enforcement cases, from 2,089 in October 2021 to 711 in January 2025, completing 2,485 investigations during that time.

It adds that progress has been achieved through both negotiation and, where necessary, formal notices and legal proceedings.


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