HMO planning and Article 4 in Dudley

Need help with HMO planning permission in Dudley? We check the rules that apply at the address and prepare what Dudley Council asks for.

Our base in Great Barr is about 8 miles from Dudley, so surveys and site visits are straightforward to arrange.

Designed around Dudley Council's HMO standards

Free survey and fixed written quote

Work by S&K and vetted subcontractors

Ask about a house in Dudley

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

Shared houses in Dudley need to satisfy Dudley Council's licensing team as well as building regulations. We plan for both from the first survey, which avoids rework later.

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

HMO rules in Dudley Council

Rule	Dudley Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)	In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensing	Not confirmed
Selective licensing	Not confirmed
Article 4 direction for small HMOs	In force Whole borough, since 15 September 2023

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

Dudley Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Dudley 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. We couldn't confirm whether Dudley Council runs additional licensing, so we check with the council for the address.

HMO planning and Article 4 in Dudley: what we do

Planning for an HMO in Dudley 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 Dudley 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.

Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies
Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
Submission and liaison with the planning officer
Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans

HMO planning and Article 4 near Dudley

Rowley Regis 2 miles
Brierley Hill 2 miles
Tipton 2.1 miles
Oldbury 2.8 miles
Sedgley 3.3 miles
Kingswinford 3.6 miles

Questions about HMO planning permission in Dudley

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.

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

Only if Dudley 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.

Who issues HMO licences in Dudley?

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

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