A NEW licensing scheme aimed at ensuring better conditions for those living in smaller houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) is now in force in Thurrock.

Under the new scheme, landlords of properties housing three or four unrelated people from two or more households must now apply for a licence. Previously only homes with five or more people living in them needed a licence.

Cllr Mark Hurrell, cabinet member for social housing, said: "By introducing additional licensing for smaller HMOs we can ensure that landlords provide high quality and well managed homes for their tenants.

"Thanks to licensing of HMOs we have been able to enforce better standards in HMOs, making sure that adequate facilities are provided to tenants and that properties are safe, secure and well managed.

"Additional licensing will mean that we will be able to do this for smaller HMOs as well.

"As well as improving the quality of life for those living in HMOs, this type of scheme can also bring benefits for neighbours. High standard and well managed HMOs will attract good tenants who are more likely to respect the home they live in and their neighbours."

Additional licensing for smaller HMOs was initially trialled in 11 wards in Thurrock and, having proved successful, it was launched boroughwide on Sunday (7 November).

The decision to introduce additional licensing for smaller HMOs was made by Cabinet in May 2025.

More information about licensing HMOS in Thurrock can be found on the council's website at: thurrock.gov.uk/houses-in-multiple-occupation/overview