Our work in Staffordshire ranges from single conversions for first-time landlords to multi-house programmes for investors, all priced in writing before work starts.
Licensing and planning for HMOs in Staffordshire 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.
HMO rules across Staffordshire's councils
| Council | Additional licensing | Selective licensing | Article 4 (small HMOs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannock Chase District Council | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| East Staffordshire Borough Council | None found | In part of the area Parts of Burton until 11 September 2027. A new scheme for 16 Burton streets runs 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2031 | Not confirmed |
| Lichfield District Council | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Proposed The council is investigating a borough-wide direction; none in force when checked |
| South Staffordshire Council | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Stafford Borough Council | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Staffordshire Moorlands District Council | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Stoke-on-Trent City Council | Proposed A citywide scheme was proposed in August 2026, subject to consultation | Not confirmed | In force Whole city, immediate direction from 23 October 2026. It lapses unless the council confirms it within six months |
| Tamworth Borough Council | Proposed Consultation on licensing three and four person HMOs closed 20 August 2026; no decision found | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
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 Staffordshire where we found an Article 4 direction for small HMOs in force, in all or part of their area: Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Article 4 directions are due to start or proposed in: Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. We found no additional licensing schemes in force that we could confirm, so the mandatory licence for five or more people is the main one to plan for.
How we handle HMO planning permission work in Staffordshire
Planning for an HMO in Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire, 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
- Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
- Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins
- Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
- Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans