Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Burslem we start by measuring every room and checking Stoke-on-Trent City Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
Work is carried out by S&K and vetted subcontractors working under S&K's supervision, so you contract with one company for the whole project.
HMO rules in Stoke-on-Trent City Council
| Rule | Stoke-on-Trent City Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | Proposed A citywide scheme was proposed in August 2026, subject to consultation |
| Selective licensing | Not confirmed |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | In force Whole city, immediate direction from 23 October 2026. It lapses unless the council confirms it within six months |
Checked October 2026 against Stoke-on-Trent City Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Burslem into a small HMO needs planning permission. This is an immediate direction that took effect on 23 October 2026 and lapses unless the council confirms it within six months. We check the planning history of the address as part of any licence work. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Stoke-on-Trent City Council proposed a citywide additional licensing scheme in August 2026, subject to consultation, so smaller HMOs may need a licence in future.
Our HMO fire risk assessment service in Burslem
Shared houses in Burslem 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 Staffordshire commonly expect to see a current assessment, particularly at licence time. We review assessments for houses in Burslem after building work or changes in occupancy, and can price any works the action plan identifies.
- Reviews after building work, layout or occupancy changes
- Site visit covering common parts and every escape route
- Prioritised action plan with a reason for each item
- Advice on the responsible person's ongoing duties
- Written fire risk assessment report for you to keep
HMO fire risk assessments near Burslem
- Tunstall under a mile
- Hanley 1.7 miles
- Newcastle-under-Lyme 2.7 miles
- Stoke-on-Trent 2.8 miles
- Fenton 3.3 miles
- Kidsgrove 3.4 miles