Key Points
- Bolton has seen a sharp rise in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), concentrated in the town centre, Farnworth, and Horwich.
- As of a year ago, there were 720 HMOs in the borough, up from 170 in recent years.
- Local politicians from Labour and hyper-local parties pledge to restrict further growth ahead of local elections on 7 May.
- Labour promises a renewed clampdown, including retrospective registration fees and minimum standards for existing HMOs, building on last year's stricter vetting.
- Hyper-local parties criticise the council for delays, noting that tighter rules already exist in Manchester and Salford.
- Farnworth and Kearsley First Councillor Paul Sanders highlights loss of family homes impacting neighbourhoods.
- Until June 2025, no planning permission was needed for HMOs with up to six tenants; Bolton Council then introduced Article 4 Direction requiring planning process.
- Labour Councillor Sean Fielding acknowledges HMOs' role in housing but notes issues with concentrations and poor landlords.
- Bolton Conservatives pushed for immediate Article 4, but Labour blocked it, opting for delay; evidence shows higher crime near HMOs.
Bolton (Bolton Today) April 28, 2026 - Political parties in Bolton are pledging tougher measures on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) ahead of the 7 May local elections, amid a surge in such properties from 170 to 720 over recent years. The increase, particularly in the town centre Farnworth and Horwich, has sparked resident concerns over neighbourhood impacts. Labour vows retrospective fees and standards if re-elected, while opposition parties demand swifter action.
What has caused the rise in HMOs in Bolton?
Bolton has witnessed a sharp rise in HMOs in recent years, with the most up-to-date figures from a year ago showing 720 in the borough. Data from local authorities indicates growth from 170, concentrated in the town centre as well as Farnworth and Horwich. Until June 2025, there was no obligation to apply for planning permission for properties with a maximum of six tenants, contributing to unchecked expansion.
Nearly a year ago, Bolton Council enacted an Article 4 Direction, mandating all HMOs go through the planning process. As reported by BBC News, this change addressed the unknown true number of HMOs previously. Conservatives note higher crime rates near HMOs, with 33.3% of crimes and 33.6% of incidents within 100m, including more violent offences.
What pledges has Labour made on HMOs?
Labour, which introduced more stringent vetting for new HMOs last year, plans a renewed clampdown if it retains council leadership post-elections. This includes retrospective registration fees and rules on minimum standards for existing properties. Labour Councillor Sean Fielding, responsible for housing, stated:
"HMOs are part of the overall housing mix, and they provide a place for students and people living away from home to work to live. But we do think that in some places there is just too high a concentration, and unfortunately, we do have some landlords that don't take care of them and don't have consideration for the neighbours on the streets where these HMOs exist."
As per Bolton Conservatives' report, Labour blocked an immediate full Article 4 rollout at Place Scrutiny, preferring a one-year delay despite low compensation risks seen elsewhere. This decision allows more HMOs via permitted development in the interim.
Why are hyper-local parties criticising the council?
Hyper-local parties in HMO-affected communities argue the council could have acted sooner, as tighter regulation exists in student-heavy areas like Manchester and Salford. They have pressured the authority through council meeting motions. Farnworth and Kearsley First Councillor Paul Sanders said:
"The huge increase in HMOs across the borough in recent years has caused growing concern and anger. Whilst some HMOs provide an option within the housing market for residents, the loss of family homes to HMOs - that we are seeing more of in places like Farnworth and Kearsley - is having a huge impact on residential streets and neighbourhoods."
These parties highlight the 'planning process' gap pre-Article 4. Housing Standards receive disproportionate complaints on HMOs for nuisance, overcrowding, and safety.
What do Conservatives say about HMO controls?
Bolton Conservatives campaigned for Article 4 since July 2023 and joined the opposition to push immediate introduction at Place Scrutiny. Chairman of Place Scrutiny, Councillor Adele Warren, commented:
"I am very disappointed by Bolton Labour’s decision to block the immediate introduction of Article 4. One of the biggest complaints we get as local councillors is from residents who have to suffer the consequences of a HMO popping up in their area, often resulting in more crime and anti-social behaviour.
Labour said they were worried about potential costs to Bolton if Article 4 were introduced immediately, but two other councils have done the same and only received one claim of compensation. The risk of costs because of immediate introduction of Article 4 is low, but the risk to more HMOs springing up because of the year delay is high.
I feel very sorry for residents who are already having to put up with HMOs. A full planning process will mean better quality homes for those living in HMOs and better standards of living for their neighbours. Why would anyone want to delay that?"
Evidence cited shows 35 more crimes per 100 households near HMOs, with 26.81% violent crimes versus 23.45% farther away. Labour and Communities First voted against, delaying protection for residents.
How does crime link to HMOs in Bolton?
Bolton Council's report evidences disproportionate crime near HMOs: 33.3% of crimes and 33.6% of incidents within 100m, despite fewer households. Violent crimes are higher at 26.81% near HMOs compared to 23.45% elsewhere. Complaints to Housing Standards focus on nuisance neighbours, overcrowding, and safety.
Councillor Adele Warren of Bolton Conservatives emphasised residents suffering from anti-social behaviour post-HMO conversions.
What is the Article 4 Direction and its impact?
The Article 4 Direction, enacted nearly a year ago, requires planning permission for all HMOs, ending permitted development for up to six tenants pre-June 2025. Conservatives sought immediate full rollout for better protections, but Labour delayed by one year. This aims to improve quality for tenants and neighbours.
As reported by BBC, it responds to unknown prior numbers.
How do residents feel about HMOs?
Residents voice growing concern and anger over family home losses, per Councillor Paul Sanders of Farnworth and Kearsley First. In Farnworth and Kearsley, impacts hit residential streets hard. Councillor Adele Warren notes frequent complaints of crime and anti-social behaviour from new HMOs.
Higher crime stats validate these issues.
What measures exist in other areas?
Tighter regulations operate in Manchester and Salford with large student populations, a model hyper-local parties urge Bolton to follow sooner. Two unnamed councils implemented immediate Article 4 with minimal compensation claims.
When are local elections and stakes?
Elections occur on 7 May; Labour seeks continued leadership to enact pledges. Opposition pressures for faster HMO curbs.
If Labour wins, retrospective fees and standards loom for existing HMOs. Delay in full Article 4 risks more via permitted development. All parties agree on restricting growth amid concerns.