HMO ACTION GROUP

Fix the Bad Ones — Don't Block the New Ones.

We're campaigning against unnecessary Article 4 directions that restrict new HMOs across England — directions that shrink housing supply without fixing the poor-quality homes they're meant to address. Help us build the case by reporting your council's status below, so we know where to focus and can support members facing a proposal locally.

Fix the Bad Ones -- Don't Block the New Ones

Article 4 Tracker

A member-maintained register of Article 4 directions restricting small HMOs (C3→C4) across England. Not an official source -- always verify directly with the relevant council.

Report your council

Know something we don't have here, or has your council's position changed? Let us know and we'll add it to the register.

Opens our report form in a new tab -- we'll review submissions and add them to the register.

Seed data compiled from public reporting as of mid-2026 and is illustrative, not exhaustive -- over 100 English councils are believed to have at least one Article 4 direction affecting HMOs, and directions are frequently ward- or street-specific rather than borough-wide. Always confirm boundaries and status directly with the relevant council before making decisions based on this register.

Watch our video below from our 2025 inaugural conference! 2026 date to be released soon!

Advocating, Campaigning, and Educating, Advocating, Campaigning

The HMO Action Group has three clear goals: to Advocate, Campaign, and Educate on behalf of those involved in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Whether you’re a tenant, landlord, or agent, we’re here to represent the views of those involved in HMOs.

DONATE AND JOIN NOW!

ADVOCATE

Our advocacy work is with central government, political influencers, the media and policymakers.

CAMPAIGN

We run impactful campaigns that bring real change to the HMO sector.

EDUCATE

We deliver education to empower and support HMO operators.

GET INVOLVED.n this area

1. BECOME A MEMBER

Become part of the campaign. The HMO Action Group is a community-driven initiative with three clear goals: to Advocate, Campaign, and Educate on behalf of those involved in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Whether you’re a tenant, landlord, or agent, we’re here to represent the views of those involved in HMOs.
Donate just £145 to our Go Fund Me Campaign for annual membership of the HMO Action Group

DONATE AND JOIN NOW

2. SIGN UP FOR EMAILS.

If you want to stay in touch with us and receive updates please sign up here.

Please note you will automatically receive updates as a paid-up member.

JOIN EMAIL LIST

3. PARTICIPATE.

Join our Facebook group and spread the word about the campaign (click button below to go to page).

JOIN FACEBOOK GROUP

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS.

Your donation empowers us to drive meaningful change and elevate standards in the HMO industry. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Thank you for your support.

DONATE AND JOIN NOW

Some of our previous webinars are below:

THE COMMITTEE .

Wendy Whittaker-Large - Chair

Wendy is an HMO landlord, campaigner, trainer and author. She became involved in the fight against Council Tax room re-banding in 2021 as a result of supporting one of her clients with an appeal which saw his 6 bed HMO initially re-banded room by room, and then after a successful challenge, returned into a single banding. She chaired the HMO Council Tax Reform Group until its evolution into the HMO Action Group.

Alan Murdie

Alan Murdie is a specialist in council tax, housing and debt law issues dating back to 1989, including many test cases in the lower and higher courts. He is director of Council Tax Legal Services and Nucleus Legal Advice in Earl's Court, London. He has been involved with the Council Tax since its inception in 1992, editing eight editions of the Council Tax Handbook since 1998 and co-author of The Enforcement of Local Taxation (2001) with Ian Wise QC.

Lucy Lea

Matt is a specialist in co-living developments within the HMO industry. He created a £5 million property portfolio in his first 4 years of investment, using the majority of investor finance. Matt’s wider vision is to have a positive impact on shared living communities across the globe to create lifelong peace of mind and well-being for both tenant and landlord.

He has experienced the re-banding of one of his own HMOs firsthand.

FIND OUT MORE.

To find out more please complete the form below and we will be in touch.

Subscribe for Updates

Please subscribe to get news and relevant information from us.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Comment

Please verify your request.*