Concerns raised over number of HMOs in Stoke-on-Trent

The number of houses in multiple occupation in Stoke-on-Trent has risen to more than 430 – with 89 HMO licences granted so far this year.

All landlords renting out HMOs have been subject to mandatory licensing since 2018, when around 350 properties in Stoke-on-Trent needed a licence.

An HMO is defined as a property where five or more people are living in two or more households. Stoke-on-Trent City Council's current HMO register now includes 435 properties, with 89 of these licences granted in the first five months of 2024.

The council says that most of these were renewals of existing licences, with 21 properties gaining new licences since last October. Shelton, which has long been an area associated with cheap student housing, is the area of the city which has by far the most HMOs, with a total of 161 within the 'ST4 2' postcode sub-distinct.

City councillors blocked proposals for a HMO on Gerrard Street, Hartshill, last year (LDRS).

But the register also shows that there are now large numbers of HMOs in areas such as Stoke, Penkhull and Hanley. Last October, the city council's planning committee blocked proposals to change the use of a house in Gerrard Street, Hartshill to a 'large HMO'.

Residents had raised concerns over the number of existing HMOs in the area, saying it was causing problems with parking. HMOs in the city have also been linked to anti-social behaviour, increasing pressure on local services, and a deteriorating sense of community.

Hartshill Park and Stoke councillor Daniela Santaro, who objected to the Gerrard Street application, believes there should be tighter rules around HMO to address these concerns.

She said: "There needs to be better regulation of them and recourse for residents to appeal a decision to allow a small HMO. There are no policies in place to safeguard communities against them. They are often connected with a rise in anti-social behaviour.

"Having multiple occupants in one dwelling causes uncertainty with residents as the tenants are transient in nature, and it also puts extra pressure on local services such as GPs and schools. My residents often have to contend with HMOs that house ex-offenders. These are in neighbourhoods where families reside.

"There is a disproportionate amount of HMOs in Hartshill Park and Stoke. There are many landlords who are responsible and vet their tenants, but there are far too many who don't. These landlords live outside of Stoke-on-Trent and have little regard for our city and community cohesion."

These are the 10 postcode sub-districts in Stoke-on-Trent which currently have the most licensed HMOs:

Postcode sub-district – No. of HMOs

ST4 2 – 161
ST4 7 – 37
ST4 6 – 34
ST1 3 – 32
ST4 1 – 27
ST4 5 – 21
ST1 1 – 15
ST1 4 – 14
ST4 4 – 12
ST1 2 – 11

Permission has been granted for Victoria Road Methodist Church to be turned into a nine-bedroom HMO (Nub News).

Most of the HMO licences granted by the city council are for five years. The current register includes a small number of HMOs where the five-year period has now elapsed. The council says these properties have been granted a temporary exemption while renewal application are processed, or while it is decided whether a licence is still needed.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "Many of the HMOs licensed this year, are renewals of previous licenses. Since October 2023 we have had 21 new properties registered.

"When a property is sold and a new owner is in place, a new licence has to be applied for, and as licences are only valid for a certain period of time they are required to be renewed upon the expiry of the licence.

"Stoke-on-Trent City Council adheres to the HMO legislation set by the Housing Act 2004 and requires that those properties who are occupied by five or more people from more than one household and who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom are licensed."

Anyone with concerns about the condition or management of the HMO they live in can report them here.

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