Council pledges to upgrade Portsmouth's HMO register
Portsmouth City Council has pledged to upgrade its system for tracking Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the city.
The council has agreed to procure a new system to replace the current HMO database, which has been criticised by residents and local MPs for its accuracy.
HMOs have been a contentious subject for many years across the city and in the council chamber.
Some argue the influx of HMOs are disrupting and changing family neighbourhoods while others say they offer affordable accommodation for those who can’t afford to rent alone or step on the housing ladder.
The council’s HMO database allows people to check the status of properties and to inform its own threshold policy which says no more than 10 per cent of properties within 50 metres of a HMO should also be HMOs.
In order to operate in Portsmouth HMOs need planning consent and a licence from the council.
In early February, Amanda Martin and Stephen Morgan, Labour MPs for Portsmouth North and South respectively, criticised the council for not updating the register since the summer of 2025 – it is now updated monthly.
Councillor Charlotte Gerada, leader of the Labour group said she was “often” contacted by residents about the register’s accuracy and the “general lack of confidence” in the council’s planning department.
However, investment into new software for the database was announced during a full council meeting to reflect changes in national housing regulations.
Cllr Darren Sanders, cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness, said: “We know that people are concerned about HMOs in the city, we also know that they are an important option for many people in Portsmouth who often find other accommodation options unaffordable, so we need to make sure they are safe and properly managed.
“With this change we want people to be reassured that we are proactively regulating HMOs and making sure these properties are safe for tenants.”
Councils are not legally required to share its register of licensed HMOs with the public.
According to the council the new software will “provide a tool for members of the public to easily search for properties and establish if they are licensed”.
Reacting to the pledge, Amanda Martin MP said: “For a long time residents have been asked to trust a system that simply hasn’t worked. I have repeatedly raised concerns with the council about incorrect maps, out-of-date information and residents not being given the full picture about HMOs in their communities.
“That is why I cautiously welcome the council finally recognising these problems and committing to a new system.
“However, residents have heard promises about improvements before which have failed to deliver. This must now deliver the transparency and accuracy that local people have been calling for.”