HMO planning and Article 4 in Northamptonshire

Midlands HMO provides HMO planning permission services across Northamptonshire, covering 8 towns and city areas and the rules of 2 councils.

HMO rules in Northamptonshire vary council by council, so we check the right one for your address before quoting.

Quotes itemised so you can compare

Designed around the local council's HMO standards

Work by S&K and vetted subcontractors

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Licensing and planning for HMOs in Northamptonshire is handled by the district, borough, city or unitary councils, not one county-wide body. That's why the same house can need different paperwork depending on which side of a council boundary it sits.

We plan each HMO planning permission job in Northamptonshire around the local council's amenity standards, which set out kitchen, bathroom and room-size requirements for shared houses.

HMO rules across Northamptonshire's councils

Council	Additional licensing	Selective licensing	Article 4 (small HMOs)
North Northamptonshire Council	None found	None found	In part of the area Kingswood ward in Corby only, since 24 April 2024
West Northamptonshire Council	In part of the area Parts of Northampton and Daventry, 24 February 2025 to 23 February 2030	None found	In part of the area The whole former Northampton borough, plus the Boughton Rise development

Checked October 2026. Mandatory licensing for five or more people applies in every council. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for the address before work starts.

Councils in Northamptonshire where we found an Article 4 direction for small HMOs in force, in all or part of their area: North Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Council. Additional licensing applies in all or part of: West Northamptonshire Council.

How we handle HMO planning permission work in Northamptonshire

Planning for an HMO in Northamptonshire 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 Northamptonshire, 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.

Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins
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

Towns we cover in Northamptonshire

Questions about HMO planning permission in Northamptonshire

Do HMOs in Northamptonshire 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.

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.

Can you fix the issues a council inspection found?

Yes. We price the works on the inspection report, carry them out and provide the evidence the council asks for.

What documents does the local 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 the local council's current list for your application.