Potters Bar: How many HMOs are there?

The Public Register of Licensed HMOs reveals there were 97 in Potters Bar when the register was last updated on December 3, with a further two applications pending.

This makes up 56 per cent of the borough-wide total of 173 HMOs, despite the fact the town's 22,000 people only account for around 20 per cent of Hertsmere's overall population.

The figures also show that in 2021 there were just three, rising to 16 in 2022, 32 in 2023 and 56 in 2024.

This growth has been mirrored across the area, with the rest of Hertsmere (excluding Potters Bar) seeing five in 2021 rise to nine in 2022, 29 in 2023, 54 in 2024 and 74 in 2025.

Outside Potters Bar, the majority of remaining HMOs are in Borehamwood.

HMOs are a point of great contention and concern for residents of the town.

In May, residents of Strafford Gate presented a petition to Hertsmere council highlighting strong opposition to the prospect of a new HMO in their street.

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In July, a new campaign entitled "Protect Potters Bar from the unregulated over-saturation of HMOs" was launched, calling for stronger constraints on development and licensing conditions.

The petition has now collected more than 3,000 signatures - around 14 per cent of the population.

Signatories are calling for all new HMOs to require planning permission, and for new applications to declare their intended use.

In November, plans for town centre office blocks to be turned into two HMOs prompted a flurry of objections. (Image: Build Form Development/Hertsmere Borough Council)

It also demands "robust HMO licensing conditions for both existing and future HMOs".

This would introduce strict occupancy limits, mandatory safety standards, proper waste disposal systems, neighbour impact assessments, routine inspections and enforcement mechanisms, and a facility to revoke existing licenses where necessary.

As of January 9, a new planning officer is understood to be working on preparing the case for an article four direction to be introduced.

Additionally, the council is producing planning policy for the Hertsmere Local plan and a Supplementary Planning Document - against which any future HMO applications will be measured.