A rigorous programme of housing inspections is in full swing as part of an Ealing Council clampdown on rogue landlords.

Inspections of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) are being ramped up in Ealing borough, in response to concerns raised by residents.

The inspections aim to make sure that landlords are complying with regulations and providing tenants with safe, well-maintained homes, while minimising disturbances in the surrounding community.

More than 130 HMOs have been inspected since the start of this new programme in August 2024, with plans to inspect at least 100 of the larger properties each month going forward.

Currently, the borough is home to 1,709 large licensable HMOs – which house 5 or more people – and 1386 small licensable HMOs.

Complying with the law

These inspections are to make sure that landlords and agents are fulfilling their legal duties and providing homes with the right amenities, appropriate room sizes, and the right fire safety measures. During the inspections, key focus areas include fire precautions and means of escape.

Councillor Louise Brett, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for safe and genuinely affordable homes, recently joined the council’s HMO inspection team to see this process first-hand. The first property inspected was fully compliant, with the right facilities, spacious rooms, and all required safety certifications.

The second property, however, revealed several hazards, including fire safety issues, inadequate heating, a tenant cooking in rooms without proper facilities, and unsafe DIY electrical work. The landlord is now required to rapidly address these issues, with enforcement action likely to be taken if improvements are not made within the time allowed.

Licensing

There are around 15,000 privately rented homes in the borough, and the council is committed to ensuring that private renters have access to safe, secure and decent homes.

All landlords and agents who own or manage a privately rented HMO in the borough are legally required to obtain a property licence from the council. The council engages with landlords and tenants to explain these standards and ensure they are met.

You can view licensing requirements on the council’s website.

New planning rules

The council has recently taken action to strengthen planning controls for HMOs. In October 2024, it made 2 ‘Article 4’ directions which mean that landlords have to apply for planning permission if they want to convert regular family homes into small HMOs. This rule took effect immediately across all of Perivale ward and will be extended to the rest of the borough on 14 November 2025. You can find out more on the council’s website.

Taking action to protect tenants  

Councillor Brett said: “While HMOs are an important part of the private rental sector, they can jeopardise the safety and wellbeing of residents when poorly managed.

“By ramping up inspections, we are furthering our commitment to ensuring residents feel safe in their homes and communities. Most landlords take this responsibility seriously and do a great job, but we know that some may need further guidance and support. For those who break the rules, we are committed to taking prompt action and ensuring they are accountable to their tenants.”