National HMO Network

National HMO Network – Closure Announcement

Dear Members,

After careful consideration, the National HMO Network will be winding down operations. This is a difficult decision that reflects substantial changes in our sector and the broader landscape in which we operate.

Founded in 1989, the National HMO Network has spent 37 years promoting standards and providing education across the HMO sector. Our approach has always been inclusive, bringing together landlords, tenants, local authorities, and other stakeholders to share knowledge and raise standards nationwide. Many dedicated individuals have contributed to organising events and supporting this work over the decades.

Several factors have led to this decision. The Renter’s Reform changes have significantly altered the sector’s dynamics. The conference landscape has transformed, local authority budgets have contracted, and in-person event attendance has declined markedly since the pandemic. These combined pressures mean the organisation is no longer sustainable in its current form, being run completely by unpaid volunteers with limited availability.

We are proud of what the Network has achieved. The collaborative, multi-stakeholder model we championed helped shape better practices across the HMO sector and fostered dialogue that benefited the industry as a whole.

Thank you for your support and commitment over the years. Your participation has been fundamental to the successes we have achieved.

We wish you continued success in your HMO related work.

With very best wishes,

Mo Watts
Chair
National HMO Network

About Us

Welcome to the National HMO Network

Welcome to the Website of the National HMO Network, please read our "Website Disclaimer" (the "small print") and bear in mind that due to the differences in the devolved Governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland we are currently only commenting on England and Wales Houses in Multiple Occupation.

Houses in Multiple Occupation are dwellings occupied by more than one household and are defined by The Housing Act 2004. Virtually any dwelling can be an HMO - bedsits, flatlets, shared houses, hostels, student and employee accommodation and some converted buildings.

The National HMO Network aims to promote a clear understanding of the wide range of matters associated with the Housing Act 2004, Regulations, guidance, codes of practice etc relevant to Houses in Multiple Occupation and to share information, skills and experience among interested parties.

The Network brings together people from many disciplines - local authority HMO licensing and enforcement officers, landlords, landlord organisations, tenants' groups, academic institutions and accommodation providers, government in England and Wales, private consultants, legal professionals, charitable and professional bodies and fire services.

We hold conferences each year for Network members at venues around the UK to discuss the application and introduction of legislation and guidance, policy, areas of good practice, working partnerships, training & issues for development.

The HMO Network has an elected Steering Group who respond on behalf of the Network to government consultations & work with partners such as the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health & landlords' groups to consider good practice issues for training & sharing skills & expertise.

We are a multi-disciplinary group helping to promote understanding, and provide a platform for members to share information about HMOs

We hold Network conferences with topical themes and specialist speakers giving members an opportunity to learn and share information

Membership is open to any person or organisation with an interest in HMOs.

Profits are used to cover Network costs, and to research and promote HMO related issues.

National HMO Network

Apply For Membership

Membership is open to organisations and individuals who share the aims of the Network. Fill in the form to apply today. See New Members page for more information.

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