HMO planning and Article 4 in Bournbrook

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

Whether the house in Bournbrook is empty, let or mid-purchase, we can start with the survey.

  • Work by S&K and vetted subcontractors
  • Covering Bournbrook and nearby West Midlands towns
  • Free survey and fixed written quote

Ask about a house in Bournbrook

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

Birmingham City Council is the licensing and planning authority for Bournbrook. We check its rules for the exact street before we draw a single partition.

Quotes list each item of work, so you can see where the money goes and compare like for like.

HMO rules in Birmingham City Council

RuleBirmingham City Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingIn force
Whole city, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Selective licensingIn part of the area
25 of the city's 69 wards, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Article 4 direction for small HMOsIn force
Whole city, in force since 8 June 2020

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

Birmingham City Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Bournbrook 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. Birmingham City Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 4 June 2028), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.

Our HMO planning permission service in Bournbrook

Planning for an HMO in Bournbrook 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 Bournbrook and the rest of the West Midlands, 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.

  • Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
  • Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans
  • Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins
  • Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
  • Submission and liaison with the planning officer

Sharer demand in Bournbrook

If the house in Bournbrook 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 Bournbrook

HMO planning and Article 4 in Bournbrook: common questions

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

Yes. Birmingham City Council runs additional licensing across its whole area, so a three or four person HMO in Bournbrook with two or more households needs a licence. Mandatory licensing covers five or more people.

What documents does Birmingham City 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 Birmingham City Council's current list for your application.

Do HMOs in Bournbrook 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.

Need HMO planning permission help in Bournbrook?

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

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