Published Thursday, 30th July 2026

The Council is inviting residents, landlords, property owners and others to comment on proposals to introduce planning controls for the conversion of homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

An HMO is a property rented by at least three people from more than one household who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom, often known as house shares or bedsits.

The proposed Article 4 direction would remove permitted development rights that allow homes to be converted into a small HMOs - for three to six residents - without the need for a full planning application.

If the direction is confirmed, a full planning application would be required for small HMO conversions so that the Council can fully consider each proposal’s location, design, accommodation standards and potential impact on neighbours and communities. Larger HMOs, for seven or more residents, already need planning permission.

The consultation runs for eight weeks from 30 July to 24 September 2026.

Why the Council is making the Article 4 direction

Cllr Kate Fairhurst, Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services, said:

“HMOs can provide an important source of lower-cost housing for people who need it, and these proposals are not about preventing them.

“However, we have seen an increase in the number of HMOs in the borough and complaints about them. So, we want to put planning checks in place to help us make sure that future HMOs are in appropriate locations, are well designed, and do not have a negative impact on local communities. Many of our neighbouring councils have already taken similar steps to manage pressures in their local areas.

“We are keen to hear from residents, landlords, property owners and anyone with an interest in housing in the borough about our proposals before any decision is made, so do tell us your views so we can take them into consideration.”

How to give your views

For more information about the proposals, visit the Article 4 direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation page. Those without internet access can view the proposals at the Town Hall, Reigate between the hours of 9am and 4pm on weekdays.

The deadline for responses to the consultation is Thursday 24 September 2026.

You can give your views by emailing Planning Policy or writing to: Planning Policy, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0SH.

To request Article 4 direction information in an alternative format, please email Planning Policy, call the team on 01737 276 178, or if you have a hearing impairment you can also send an SMS text to 07834 626 468.

What happens next?

After the consultation closes, the Council will review the representations received before a decision is made to confirm the direction. If confirmed, the direction would come into force on 30 July 2027.

More information