Supporting tenants with multiple and complex needs in houses in multiple occupation: The need to balance planning restrictions and housing enforcement with support

Abstract

The number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the UK has increased significantly in recent years, with recognition that this sector often houses some of the UK’s most vulnerable tenants. Government responses to the growth in HMOs has focused increasingly on landlord enforcement and planning controls, with more limited attention on the needs of vulnerable residents. Drawing on new research with HMO tenants with multiple and complex needs (MCN), attendance at HMO working groups and consultations with stakeholders, this paper argues that whilst there is a need to address some of the issues associated with HMOs through landlord enforcement and regulation, it is important to balance this approach with appropriate support for tenants with MCN. For many people, living in an HMO can exacerbate personal challenges they may be facing. However, researching experiences of living in HMOs from a tenant perspective shows that positive outcomes are possible when tenants with MCN are supported to address their needs. At a time when the number of HMOs is continuing to increase, it is important to explore the significant role of support provided to tenants with MCN.