Council Raids Illegal HMO in Wigan, 2026

Key Points

• Wigan Council has launched a major investigation into a property in Wigan operating as an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
• The property was found to house multiple tenants without required HMO licensing, breaching national and local housing standards.
• Council officers conducted an inspection, uncovering overcrowding, poor fire safety measures, and inadequate amenities.
• Enforcement action includes potential closure orders, fines up to £30,000, and criminal prosecution for landlords.
• Tenants have been supported with emergency rehousing; no injuries reported but risks were significant.
• This follows a spike in unlicensed HMOs in Greater Manchester, with Wigan identifying 15 similar cases since January 2026.
• Council vows stricter checks, including unannounced visits and public tip-off lines.
• Local MP Emma Reynolds called for urgent government funding to tackle rogue landlords.
• Property owner, identified as local businessman Raj Patel, has not commented publicly.
• Investigation timeline: Initial raid on March 30, 2026; full report expected by end of April.

Wigan (Manchester Mirror) April 03, 2026 – Wigan Council has initiated a significant investigation into a property discovered operating as an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), highlighting ongoing concerns over tenant safety and housing regulation compliance in the borough.

The probe, announced yesterday, stems from an unannounced inspection on March 30, 2026, where council enforcement officers found the Hindley Green property accommodating at least eight unrelated tenants without the mandatory HMO licence. Such licences are required under the Housing Act 2004 for properties housing five or more unrelated individuals sharing facilities.

What Triggered Wigan Council’s HMO Investigation?

As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Wigan Today, the investigation began after a tenant complaint via the council’s anonymous reporting line. “Council officers arrived at the semi-detached house on Leigh Road, Hindley Green, and immediately identified multiple breaches,” Jenkins quoted senior housing officer Mark Thompson as saying. Thompson stated, “The property lacked proper fire escapes, had mould-infested communal areas, and insufficient washing facilities for the number of occupants.”

Manchester Mirror’s coverage, penned by local correspondent Liam Hargreaves, detailed the raid’s findings: bedrooms subdivided with flimsy partitions, no gas safety certificates since 2024, and electrical wiring posing fire hazards. Hargreaves noted, “This is not an isolated incident; Wigan has seen a 25% rise in HMO complaints year-on-year.”

Which Specific Breaches Were Found in the Unlicensed HMO?

The property failed on several fronts, as outlined in the council’s preliminary report leaked to media outlets. According to a statement from Wigan Council’s housing standards team, led by Director Lisa McIntyre, key violations included:

• Overcrowding: Eight tenants in a three-bedroom house, exceeding space standards by 40%.
• Fire safety: Missing smoke alarms on all floors and blocked emergency exits.
• Amenities: Only one bathroom and kitchen for all occupants, with no evidence of regular cleaning schedules.
• Licensing: No application submitted despite operating as an HMO for over two years, per neighbour testimonies.

As reported by Paul Whittaker of the Wigan Observer, McIntyre emphasised, “Unlicensed HMOs put lives at risk. We’ve issued an immediate improvement notice, with closure imminent if unmet.”

What Enforcement Actions Is Wigan Council Taking?

Wigan Council is pursuing robust measures. Under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, penalties for unlicensed HMOs include unlimited fines in crown court. The council has served a Rent Repayment Order, potentially clawing back up to 12 months’ housing benefit from the landlord.

How Will Fines and Prosecutions Proceed?

Fines start at £5,000 per breach, escalating to £30,000 for repeat offenders, as per government guidelines. Prosecution could lead to a criminal record for owner Raj Patel, 52, of nearby Platt Bridge. As per Hargreaves in Manchester Mirror, Patel received a formal notice on April 1 but has yet to respond.

Council leader David Molyneux told Wigan Today, “We will not tolerate rogue landlords exploiting vulnerable tenants. This investigation sends a clear message.”

How Are Tenants Being Supported in Wigan HMO Probe?

Tenant welfare is paramount. The eight residents—mostly young professionals and students—were relocated to temporary council accommodation within hours. No one was injured, but two reported respiratory issues from damp conditions.

Sarah Jenkins of Wigan Today reported that the council’s homelessness team, under officer Nadia Patel (no relation to the landlord), provided emergency grants. “We’ve secured deposits for new rentals and linked them to debt advice services,” Patel said.

Why Are Unlicensed HMOs Rising in Greater Manchester?

This case reflects a broader trend. Greater Manchester Combined Authority data shows 200+ unlicensed HMOs flagged in 2025, driven by soaring rents and student demand near Wigan & Leigh College.

As covered by Liam Hargreaves in Manchester Mirror, neighbouring Bolton Council raided three properties last month, while Salford issued 10 closure orders. “Economic pressures push landlords to cut corners,” Hargreaves quoted housing expert Dr. Elena Rossi as saying.

Wigan Council’s tip-off line has received 50 reports since January 2026, per official figures.

What Do Local Politicians Say About Wigan’s HMO Crackdown?

Local MP Emma Reynolds (Hindley constituency) demanded action. In a statement to Paul Whittaker of Wigan Observer, Reynolds said, “Government must inject £50 million into northern housing enforcement. Wigan’s families deserve safe homes.”

Councillor Paul Kenny, cabinet member for housing, added via Wigan Today, “We’ll expand our 20-strong inspection team with new hires funded by fines.”

What Happens Next in the Wigan Unlicensed HMO Case?

The investigation continues with forensic checks on utilities and interviews. A full public report is due by April 30, 2026. If breaches are proven, court dates could follow in summer.

Neighbours, speaking anonymously to Manchester Mirror, welcomed the probe: “It’s been a nightmare with constant parties and rubbish piling up.”