I strongly support the recent decision in Oldham to pull the brakes on the rapid rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This move, requiring smaller HMOs to seek planning permission, is an important step in protecting our communities and ensuring housing works for local people.
I’ve heard repeated concerns from residents about the impact HMOs are having on our towns. Time and again, I’ve heard how family homes are being lost to conversions, leaving fewer options for young families who want to stay in the area where they grew up. When landlords find it more profitable to split a house into rooms, it drives up both rents and house prices – and the people who lose out are often those who contribute the most to our community.
I share these concerns. Beyond affordability, there’s also the question of standards. Too often, HMOs are converted with little care for safety, quality, or long-term upkeep. I’ve seen examples where corners are cut, maintenance is ignored, and tenants are left in conditions that fall well short of what anyone should have to accept. We cannot allow rogue landlords to cash in at the expense of people’s dignity and security.
We also need to think about what makes a community strong. Stability, neighbourliness, and the connections that build up over years – these are put at risk when too many homes become short-term, transient rentals. Sometimes its the small things, gardens left unkept, rubbish building up and uncollected, and quick turnover of tenants. Families and long-term residents are the backbone of our neighbourhoods, and we need to make sure housing policy reflects that.
The previous government allowed a free for all. There wasn’t an office block, pub, shop or family house that wasn’t left vulnerable. It is time to tip the power back in the hands of local people and the council who represent them.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 