HMO planning and Article 4 in Stone

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

Every job in Stone starts with a measured survey and a check of Stafford Borough Council's current HMO rules.

  • One team for build, compliance and lettings
  • Free survey and fixed written quote
  • Designed around Stafford Borough Council's HMO standards

Book a survey in Stone

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

Landlords in Stone deal with Stafford Borough Council for licensing, planning and housing standards. We keep those three in view together, so a layout that suits the licence also works for planning and building control.

You get one point of contact for the whole job, a fixed price for the agreed specification and a written programme showing when each stage happens.

HMO rules in Stafford Borough Council

RuleStafford Borough Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingNot confirmed
Selective licensingNot confirmed
Article 4 direction for small HMOsNot confirmed

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

We couldn't confirm Stafford Borough Council's Article 4 position from its own website, so we check it with the council for the address. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. We couldn't confirm whether Stafford Borough Council runs additional licensing, so we check with the council for the address.

HMO planning and Article 4 in Stone: what we do

Planning for an HMO in Stone 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 Stone and the rest of 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.

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

HMO planning and Article 4 near Stone

Questions about HMO planning permission in Stone

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Stone?

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 Stone needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.

Do I need a licence for a three or four person HMO in Stone?

Only if Stafford Borough Council runs an additional licensing scheme covering the address. Mandatory licensing starts at five or more people. We confirm the position with the council for the address.

What documents does Stafford 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 Stafford Borough Council's current list for your application.

Do HMOs in Stone 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.

Got a house in Stone in mind?

Book a free survey. We measure every room, check Stafford Borough Council's rules and give you a fixed written quote.

Call free Guide price