Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Alvaston we start by measuring every room and checking Derby City 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 Derby City Council
| Rule | Derby City Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | None found |
| Selective licensing | None found |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | In part of the area Arboretum ward and parts of seven wards inside the ring road, since 3 May 2025 |
Checked October 2026 against Derby City Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Derby City Council's Article 4 direction covers Arboretum ward and parts of the wards inside the ring road. Whether a house in Alvaston needs planning permission to become a small HMO depends on whether it is inside that boundary, which we check for the exact address. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. We found no additional licensing scheme in force in Derby City Council, so the mandatory licence for five or more people is the main one to plan for.
HMO fire risk assessments in Alvaston: what we do
Shared houses in Alvaston need a fire risk assessment that reflects how the building is actually laid out. We assess the common parts and the escape route from every bedroom, then give you a written report with a prioritised action plan you can act on.
Councils and fire services covering Derbyshire commonly expect to see a current assessment, particularly at licence time. We review assessments for houses in Alvaston after building work or changes in occupancy, and can price any works the action plan identifies.
- Advice on the responsible person's ongoing duties
- Prioritised action plan with a reason for each item
- Check of fire doors, alarms and emergency lighting
- Site visit covering common parts and every escape route
- Written fire risk assessment report for you to keep
HMO fire risk assessments near Alvaston
- Chaddesden 2.7 miles
- Derby 3.1 miles
- Littleover 3.6 miles
- Allestree 4.8 miles
- Mickleover 5.1 miles
- Long Eaton 6.3 miles