Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Ross-on-Wye we start by measuring every room and checking Herefordshire Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
We can keep a photographic record of each stage, which is useful evidence when the council inspects or a buyer's surveyor asks questions later.
HMO rules in Herefordshire Council
| Rule | Herefordshire Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | Not confirmed |
| Selective licensing | Not confirmed |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | Not confirmed |
Checked October 2026 against Herefordshire Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
We couldn't confirm Herefordshire Council's Article 4 position from its own website, so we check it with the council for the address. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. We couldn't confirm whether Herefordshire Council runs additional licensing, so we check with the council for the address.
HMO compliance audits for Ross-on-Wye landlords
An audit of an HMO in Ross-on-Wye checks the house the way a licensing officer would: room sizes, fire safety, amenities, certificates and paperwork. You get a written, prioritised fix list, so you know what needs doing before an inspection, renewal or purchase.
Councils across Herefordshire set their own HMO standards on top of the national rules. Our audits of houses in Ross-on-Wye check against both, and we can quote for any work the report identifies once you have read it.
- Fire precautions and fire risk assessment reviewed
- Every bedroom measured, including the 1.5 m ceiling rule
- Certificates and tenancy paperwork checked for gaps and dates
- Written report with a prioritised, photographed fix list
- Management Regulations 2006 duties checked on site