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Additional HMO Licensing Consultation

Gloucester City Council is seeking your views on proposals to introduce stronger controls on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the city. The proposal for a citywide Additional Licensing Scheme responds to the evidence that some smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) are having a negative impact in the city and present similar risks to larger HMOs but don't currently receive the same regulatory oversight. Poor management and housing conditions in HMOs impact tenants and local communities.
These proposals are intended to improve housing conditions, support safer neighbourhoods, and manage the growth, concentration, and quality of HMOs in a balanced way. 

The Council has commissioned ARK Consultancy to manage the consultation. 

The Council is proposing to Introduce a citywide Additional HMO Licensing scheme 

This will introduce an Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs citywide across the whole of Gloucester. This would apply to:

  • Smaller HMOs with 3 or 4 occupants forming two or more households; and,
  • Section 257 HMOs (poorly converted buildings into self-contained flats that are rented and where the conversion does not meet the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations or later). 

 
Larger HMOs with 5 or more tenants are already covered by the national Mandatory HMO Licensing scheme. The proposed Additional Licensing would extend licensing to all other HMOs in the city so that issues and impacts are managed consistently. 

Who we want to hear from

We welcome views from anyone with an interest in housing and communities in Gloucester, including: 

  • Residents, tenants and community groups 
  • Private landlords and letting agents 
  • Businesses and employers 
  • Community, voluntary and faith organisations 
  • Advice agencies and representative bodies 

How to respond

This consultation is being delivered by Ark Consultancy and is planned to run for 10 weeks, from 2 March 2026 to 11 May 2026. 

You can share your views by visiting the official consultation website Gloucester City Council HMO Consultations - ARK Consultancy