HMO planning and Article 4 in Birstall

Need help with HMO planning permission in Birstall? We check the rules that apply at the address and prepare what Charnwood Borough Council asks for.

Work in Birstall is surveyed, designed and managed by the same team, with one point of contact from first call to handover.

  • Designed around Charnwood Borough Council's HMO standards
  • Quotes itemised so you can compare
  • Covering Birstall and nearby Leicestershire towns

Free survey in Birstall

Tell us about the property. We reply within one working day.

An HMO in Birstall has to work for three audiences: the council, the people who live there and the owner's figures. We design with all three in mind and price the result in writing.

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 Charnwood Borough Council

RuleCharnwood Borough Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingIn force
Whole borough, 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2028
Selective licensingIn part of the area
Hastings and Lemyngton wards in Loughborough, 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2028
Article 4 direction for small HMOsIn part of the area
Loughborough, since 12 February 2012

Checked October 2026 against Charnwood Borough Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.

Charnwood Borough Council's Article 4 direction covers Loughborough, not Birstall, so changing a family house here into a small HMO is usually permitted development. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Charnwood Borough Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 31 March 2028), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.

How we handle HMO planning permission work in Birstall

Planning for an HMO in Birstall starts with three questions: what the current lawful use is, whether an Article 4 direction covers the street, and what local policy says about the concentration of shared houses. We answer all three before you spend money on design.

For landlords and investors in Birstall and the rest of Leicestershire, we prepare planning applications and lawful development certificates, with the plans and evidence councils commonly ask for. We also explain where licensing and building regulations need a separate approval.

  • Submission and liaison with the planning officer
  • Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans
  • Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies
  • Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
  • Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence

HMO planning and Article 4 near Birstall

What landlords in Birstall ask us

How often are electrical checks needed in an HMO?

Private tenancies in England need an electrical installation condition report before the tenancy starts and at least every five years, and gas appliances need a safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months.

How long does an HMO licence last?

A licence can last up to five years. Charnwood Borough Council may grant a shorter licence, for example where it has concerns about the property or the management.

What documents does Charnwood Borough Council ask for with an HMO licence?

Councils usually ask for floor plans showing room sizes and fire safety features, gas and electrical safety certificates, and fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates. We check Charnwood Borough Council's current list for your application.

Do HMOs in Birstall need a fire risk assessment?

Fire safety law requires a fire risk assessment of the common parts of most HMOs, and councils commonly ask to see one with a licence application. We arrange the assessment and the works it recommends.

Planning an HMO in Birstall?

Send us the address and we'll check the licensing and planning position before we talk about prices.

Call free Guide price