Waltham Forest Council is clamping down on landlords who break up single properties into different units by requiring planning permission for such a move.
The council is introducing an Article 4 Direction, which will require landlords to obtain planning permission before converting a single dwelling into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The council said the measure would give it greater control over housing stock in the borough and would help safeguard the wellbeing of residents.
Cllr Clare Coghill, the council’s cabinet member for economic growth and high streets, said: ‘It’s really important that we retain valuable single household dwellings and ensure that HMOs meet certain standards.
‘Landlords need to consider things like means of escape in case of fire, amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms and toilets, and ensuring that the property is not overcrowded.’
The council also pledged to take action against landlords who fail to apply for a licence for HMOs.