Safety and anti-social behaviour in HMOs

Crime and anti-social behaviour

We are not aware yet of reliable evidence that demonstrates that ASB (anti-social behaviour) or crime is higher in HMOs than that which is reported within the general population across different tenures of housing.

We don't hold data that links criminal activity to HMOs - this is police data. Unless an incident happens within an HMO, there will be no link to the HMO as the crime is linked to the individual.

We are currently working with the police to undertake modelling to see if there is a:

link of crime to individuals living in HMOs or in the areas around HMOs 

compared to

similar areas that have a similar demographic but lower percentage of HMOs.

This is likely to be a complicated analysis. We are not sure yet of what it would take to achieve this modelling and the level of confidence within it.

We support the concept of making NNC a safer place for all, but ASB takes place cross all tenure and occurs in all different types of properties.

Reporting issues

Please report any criminal activity from any property to the police. You can report ASB directly to us. 

You can email [email protected] with any specific concerns you have about HMOs.

Working with the police and fire service

Our Private Sector Housing Operations team undertakes 'weeks of action' with the police and attend suspect, high risk properties across North Northamptonshire in a bid to find any illegal HMOs that need a licence or have poor housing conditions.

These weeks of action are carried out once every 6 months, but the team proactively investigate suspect HMOs continuously.

We attend all new licence inspections and any high-risk properties with Fire Officers and liaise with them on a regular basis.

Last updated 13 October 2025