HMO planning and Article 4 in Erdington

We handle HMO planning permission work for HMOs in Erdington and the rest of the West Midlands, checking each requirement against Birmingham City Council's current rules.

Every job in Erdington starts with a measured survey and a check of Birmingham City Council's current HMO rules.

Free survey and fixed written quote

Quotes itemised so you can compare

One team for build, compliance and lettings

Ask about a house in Erdington

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

An HMO in Erdington 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.

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

Rule	Birmingham City Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)	In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensing	In force Whole city, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Selective licensing	In part of the area 25 of the city's 69 wards, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Article 4 direction for small HMOs	In 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 Erdington 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.

HMO planning and Article 4 in Erdington: what we do

Planning for an HMO in Erdington 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 Erdington 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.

Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies
Submission and liaison with the planning officer
Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins
Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes

HMO planning and Article 4 near Erdington

Castle Bromwich 2.6 miles
Kingstanding 3 miles
Sutton Coldfield 3.1 miles
Saltley 3.4 miles
Aston 3.5 miles
Perry Barr 3.8 miles

Questions about HMO planning permission in Erdington

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

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

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Erdington?

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 Erdington needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.

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 HMOs in Erdington 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.