Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Allesley we start by measuring every room and checking Coventry City Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
Because we also manage and maintain HMOs, we design with day-to-day running in mind: hard-wearing finishes, sensible storage and layouts that keep shared spaces usable.
HMO rules in Coventry City Council
| Rule | Coventry City Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | In force Whole city, 4 May 2025 to 3 May 2030 |
| Selective licensing | None found |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | In part of the area 11 wards, including Earlsdon, Foleshill, Lower and Upper Stoke, Radford, St Michael's and Westwood, since 30 September 2023 |
Checked October 2026 against Coventry City Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Coventry City Council's Article 4 direction covers 11 wards across the city, including Earlsdon, Foleshill, Lower and Upper Stoke, Radford, St Michael's and Westwood, not Allesley, so changing a family house here into a small HMO is usually permitted development. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Coventry City Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 3 May 2030), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.
HMO fire risk assessments for Allesley landlords
Shared houses in Allesley 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 the West Midlands commonly expect to see a current assessment, particularly at licence time. We review assessments for houses in Allesley 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
- Written fire risk assessment report for you to keep
- Reviews after building work, layout or occupancy changes
- Site visit covering common parts and every escape route