Letter: We Need a Responsible Approach to the Problem of HMOs

Published on: 8 Jun, 2026
Updated on: 8 Jun, 2026

From Veronica Mansfield

In response to: Residents Tell Councillors and Planner What It Is like to Live With Multiple Occupant Houses

This Dragon article really caught my eye and the map brought home the extent of the development of HMOs clustered around the University of Surrey.

It made me think about the implications of living as a family amongst this situation. Just the everyday practicalities.

The term HMO was not really familiar before the early 2000s. Over the last five years they have continued to grow rapidly as a more affordable housing alternative.

Whilst many HMOs are quiet and well managed they can cause issues related to noise, waste accumulation, parking congestion and strained neighbourly relations. With no single head of household it can be unclear who is responsible for bringing bins in and out resulting in streets looking unkempt.

Occupants may keep different hours leading to late night comings and goings, doors slamming or weekday gatherings.

So what do other councils do to manage the development of HMOs?

It is clear that HMOs are needed for students and other workers alike.

Most local planning authorities follow a general benchmark where no more than 10 per cent within a 50 to 100 metre radius should be HMO in order to maintain neighbourhood balance.

Many councils apply a “sandwiching rule” to prevent family homes from being trapped between two HMOs. Yet those organising the meeting showed streets with 50, 60, and 70 per cent HMOs. This is blatantly disproportionate.

How on earth did it get so high? Who is responsible?

If you don’t live in an affected area you will not be aware of the problem.

What can be done? l don’t know the answers.

However l do take heart from the Guildford Residents for Responsible HMOs who are raising awareness and standing up and and taking notice. Also from Cllr Howard Smith who is supporting them.

I think responsibility is the key word here and l will have to say that the development of HMOs in Guildford, around the University, over the last five years has been anything but.

Look out for further meetings of Guildford Residents for Responsible HMOs.