Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Rugby we start by measuring every room and checking Rugby Borough Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
We cover CV21 and the neighbouring postcodes, with the same standards in Rugby as anywhere else in Warwickshire.
HMO rules in Rugby Borough Council
| Rule | Rugby Borough 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 | In part of the area Five central wards: Benn, Coton and Boughton, Eastlands, New Bilton, and Newbold and Brownsover, since 23 February 2025 |
Checked October 2026 against Rugby Borough Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Rugby Borough Council's Article 4 direction covers five central wards of Rugby. Whether a house in Rugby 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 couldn't confirm whether Rugby Borough Council runs additional licensing, so we check with the council for the address.
How we handle HMO licence application work in Rugby
Licensing rules for shared houses in Rugby depend on the exact address. Mandatory licensing applies to every HMO with 5 or more occupiers, but additional or selective schemes can bring smaller houses into licensing too. We check which applies before preparing anything, so the application matches the scheme.
For landlords in Rugby and across Warwickshire, we prepare the floor plan, collect the certificates and complete the council's form. We follow the application through to a decision, help with any draft conditions and keep a note of the renewal date.
- Gas, electrical, alarm and lighting certificates collated
- Measured floor plan in the council's usual format
- Help with draft conditions, renewals and variations
- Council application form completed and checked
- Check of mandatory, additional and selective licensing at the address