HMO planning and Article 4 in Nottingham

For landlords in Nottingham, our HMO planning permission service turns the council's requirements into a clear list of documents, works and dates.

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

  • Designed around Nottingham City Council's HMO standards
  • Free survey and fixed written quote
  • Quotes itemised so you can compare

Free survey in Nottingham

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

An HMO in Nottingham 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'll tell you plainly if a house in Nottingham isn't suited to the number of rooms you have in mind, and what it would take to make it work.

HMO rules in Nottingham City Council

RuleNottingham City Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingIn force
Whole city, 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028
Selective licensingIn part of the area
Some or all of 15 wards, 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2028
Article 4 direction for small HMOsIn force
Whole city, since 11 March 2012

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

Nottingham City Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Nottingham into a small HMO needs planning permission. We check the planning history of the address as part of any licence work. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Nottingham City Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 31 December 2028), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.

Our HMO planning permission service in Nottingham

Planning for an HMO in Nottingham 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 Nottingham and the rest of Nottinghamshire, 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.

  • Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins
  • Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies
  • Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
  • Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans
  • Submission and liaison with the planning officer

Student and sharer lets in Nottingham

If the house in Nottingham is let to students or sharers, up-to-date certificates, measured plans and a current fire risk assessment make any council inspection more straightforward, and they are usually asked for with a licence application.

HMO planning and Article 4 near Nottingham

Questions about HMO planning permission in Nottingham

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Nottingham?

Since 1 May 2026 councils can issue civil penalties of up to £40,000, and rent repayment orders can cover up to two years' rent. If a house in Nottingham needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.

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.

Do HMOs in Nottingham 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.

Who issues HMO licences in Nottingham?

Nottingham City Council is the licensing authority for Nottingham. We prepare the application and supporting documents, and the council decides whether to grant the licence and on what conditions.

Planning an HMO in Nottingham?

Call or send the form and we'll arrange a survey at a time that suits you.

Call free Guide price