Portsmouth City Council in Hampshire announced on 9 March 2026 that it is launching a new system to better regulate shared houses to ensure they are safe and well managed. This commitment involves using new technology to improve how these properties, often called Houses in Multiple Occupation, are monitored across the city.
The new system will make it easier for the public to go online and check if a specific property has a valid licence. By improving transparency, Portsmouth City Council aims to address local concerns about the management and quality of shared accommodation.
Cllr Darren Sanders, the cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness, noted that shared houses are an essential option for many residents because other types of housing can be too expensive. The council believes that while these homes help people find affordable places to live, they must be held to higher safety and quality requirements.
This update to the council’s licensing process is designed to help the authority keep a closer eye on housing standards while helping to prevent homelessness. The initiative focuses on making the current register of licensed properties more accessible to everyone living in the community.
