Ealing Council is asking residents for views on proposed changes to HMO licensing.

The consultation is open until 24 September 2026 and is aimed at residents, tenants, landlords and others with an interest in privately rented accommodation.

The proposals concern the council's additional licensing arrangements for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), including how certain shared properties are regulated.

The consultation could be of particular interest to Southall residents and landlords, as HMO and private rental issues remain an important part of the local housing picture.

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Consultation now underway

Ealing Council's consultation opened on 15 July 2026 and is scheduled to run until 24 September 2026.

The council is inviting comments from a range of people, including tenants, landlords, residents and other organisations or individuals with an interest in private rented housing.

HMOs generally refer to properties where people from different households live in the same property while sharing facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Under Ealing's existing arrangements, certain smaller HMOs occupied by three or four unrelated people are already subject to additional licensing requirements.

The council says property licensing forms part of its wider efforts to improve conditions within the private rented sector and encourage better standards of property management.

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Relevance to Southall

The issue may be particularly relevant in Southall, where privately rented accommodation and shared housing form part of the local housing picture. Existing property licensing arrangements also cover parts of Southall, including Southall Broadway and Southall Green, where selective licensing has been in place since 2022.

The council's wider licensing policies are intended to help address concerns around property conditions and management, while giving the authority greater oversight of certain privately rented properties.

For landlords, any changes to licensing requirements could affect properties that fall within the relevant categories. Tenants and residents may also have an interest in how licensing is used to improve housing conditions.

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Have your say

The consultation provides an opportunity for people to comment before the council makes any decisions about the proposals.

Anyone wishing to take part should review the council's consultation information and submit their views before the closing date.

Consultation closes: 24 September 2026

View the proposals and have your say.