Like many of my constituents, I am concerned with the rise of houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) in our city.
Since my election in July, I’ve spoken up in Parliament on this issue and raised it directly with ministers and the deputy Prime Minister. I’ve spoken to other MPs across the country to explore what other areas are doing to tackle this complex issue.
I’ve also done some research into the numbers of HMOs in our area. I was shocked, but not surprised to discover that the number of HMOs in Portsmouth has risen from an estimate of 3,920 in 2018/19, to an estimated 6,000 in 2023/24.
The Council held consultations on the Local Plan for housing in 2024 and my submission flagged the HMO issue, I noted the following:
‘I would like to raise the concerns of my constituents about the number of HMOs which we are seeing popping up around the city, and the subsequent impact on the community and local infrastructure.
Whilst I recognise that, when long-term solutions are not being properly mapped, a reliance on quick wins creeps in, I am concerned about the rise of HMO numbers. This is particularly concerning when housing families, where purpose-built, high-quality homes are crucial.’
We know the Council set criteria for all HMOs that must be met for a property to apply for a license. I would like to see these criteria tightened in the following ways:
- to lower the percentage of permitted HMOs in any 50m radius from 10% to 5%, and
- to extend the radius from 50m to 100m.
I assure you I intend to be at the forefront of this campaign as I know this is a pressing issue for many of you. I will continue to work constructively with anyone who wants to join me to ensure we can move towards provision of the homes we need, stemming the demand for HMOs.
Single person homes should be well designed, safe, and secure, and not encroach on the existing stock of family housing.
Constituent Action Guide
I know many of you have contacted me about an issue with a local HMO, whether that is a new HMO proposal, a suspected unauthorised conversion, overcrowding, maintenance, or unsafe conditions.
I have put together a guide of useful resources to help constituents raise their concerns with the Council. See points 1-3 for licensing, conditions, and maintenance. See points 4-5 for planning issues e.g. unauthorised conversions and new HMOs.
1. Reporting an Unlicensed HMO
If you believe a property is operating as an HMO without a proper license, please contact the Private Sector Housing team: 📧 psh@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 📌 Please use the subject header: “HMO Issue”
2. Understanding HMO Licensing Rules
If you suspect a HMO is breaking licensing rules, or to help you determine whether a landlord is complying with the necessary licensing and standards, the following may be helpful:
- 📄 HMO Standards Guidance Document (PDF) This document includes guidance on bins, space requirements, facilities, fire safety, and more.
- The Council has a page on their website breaking down the guidance: HMO standards – information for private tenants – Portsmouth City Council
3. Reporting an HMO-Related Issue Online
To report an HMO-related issue (e.g. maintenance concerns, overcrowding, property conditions), you can use the Council’s online reporting portal:
🔗 Report an HMO Issue
Dangerous skips, pavements and forecourts are dealt with by the Highways Dept. Tel: 023 9283 4092 Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm.
Or email cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk Highways (colas) Emergency our of hours Tel: 023 9231 0900
Anti-social behaviour Tel: 023 9268 8507
or email cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Portsmouth City Council central switchboard Tel: 023 9282 2251 if you do not wish your telephone to be registered enter 141 before dialling any number.
4. Reporting Planning Issues (e.g. unauthorised conversions)
If a property has been converted into an HMO without planning permission, or if structural changes (such as adding bedrooms) have been made without approval, please contact Planning Enforcement:
📧 planningenforcement@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
📌 Please use the subject header: “HMO Issue”
5. Party walls and understanding your rights
A party wall is a shared wall between two or more properties, often separating buildings belonging to different owners. These walls can be on the boundary line, or on one owner’s land but still used to separate buildings. The Party Wall Act regulates works affecting these walls. If a HMO has plans to make changes to these walls or install things on to them (e.g new plumbing, macerating toilets etc) then they should be sending out ‘Party Structure Notices’.
You can find out more here:
🔗 Government Party Wall Information
🔗 Preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls
6. Opposing a planning application for a new HMO
To oppose a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) planning application with Portsmouth City Council, you’ll need to follow a few key steps. Here’s a simple guide:
✅ Find the Planning Application. You need to locate the application you want to oppose by visiting https://publicaccess.portsmouth.gov.uk/online-applications/. Use the search function to find the application by:
Address
Application number (if known)
Keyword or postcode
📝 2. Review the Application Details. Once you’ve found the planning application, check what is being proposed (e.g., conversion to a 6-bed HMO), and review associated documents such as site plans, floorplans, and planning statements.
✍️ 3. Submit Your Objection (Public Comment) via the same portal. Click the “Make a Comment” or “Comments” tab on the application page, fill in your details to create an account, and clearly state that you object to the application.
Provide your reasons for objecting. Some valid planning concerns include:
Overconcentration of HMOs in the area
Parking/traffic problems
Noise and anti-social behaviour
Waste management issues
Loss of family housing
Negative impact on community character or local amenity
When you press submit it may say you have run out of time. Come right out, go back in putting in your password in again, and your comment should have been saved. Then submit your comment again.
⏰ There is a deadline, usually around 21 days from the application’s validation or notice date. Make sure to submit within that period.
📧 Optional: Send a Written Objection, either via post or via email to:
Email: planningreps@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Post: Portsmouth City Council, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AL
A template letter can be found here: [link to template letter]. Edit the letter as necessary to the specific characteristics of the area, and the specific reasons you oppose the HMO.
7. And finally… Work with others!
Contact your local councillors, neighbours and other local residents so that together you can raise as much awareness as possible. Councillors can also ‘call in’ the application, this will ensure that the planning proposal goes before the planning committee for discussion, otherwise 6 objections from different addresses are required to do this.
If the proposal is bought before the planning committee you can give an objection talk, a deputation, this is up to 6 minutes long depending on how many other objectors wish to speak. Or you can request that your local councillor gives a deputation on your behalf.
We hope this information is helpful. If you need any further assistance or would like to discuss a specific HMO, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Report a HMO to us
Do you believe there’s HMO next door to you or down your road that isn’t listed on the council website? Pop the details here and we’ll investigate for you:
Amanda Martin MP will use the personal information you provided for the purpose of this campaign. Where you have opted in, Amanda and the Labour Party may contact you via the communication channels you have chosen and for the purposes specified. We may also contact you by post using the electoral register, which Amanda is entitled to use as an MP and the Labour Party is entitled to use to further its objectives as a political party.
