HMO planning and Article 4 in Foleshill

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

From Foleshill to the rest of the West Midlands, quotes are fixed for the agreed specification.

  • One team for build, compliance and lettings
  • Designed around Coventry City Council's HMO standards
  • Covering Foleshill and nearby West Midlands towns

Free survey in Foleshill

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

Foleshill sits within Coventry City Council, which sets its own HMO standards for room sizes, kitchens and bathrooms. Our designs start from those standards, so the layout we price is designed to meet the council's licensing requirements.

We can keep a photographic record of each stage, which is useful evidence when the council inspects or a buyer's surveyor asks questions later.

HMO rules in Coventry City Council

RuleCoventry City Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingIn force
Whole city, 4 May 2025 to 3 May 2030
Selective licensingNone found
Article 4 direction for small HMOsIn part of the area
11 wards, including Earlsdon, Foleshill, Lower and Upper Stoke, Radford, St Michael's and Westwood, since 30 September 2023

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

Coventry City Council's Article 4 direction covers 11 wards across the city, including Earlsdon, Foleshill, Lower and Upper Stoke, Radford, St Michael's and Westwood, so turning a family house in Foleshill 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. Coventry City Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 3 May 2030), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.

HMO planning and Article 4 for Foleshill landlords

Planning for an HMO in Foleshill 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 Foleshill 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
  • Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
  • Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies
  • Submission and liaison with the planning officer
  • Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans

HMO planning and Article 4 near Foleshill

Questions about HMO planning permission in Foleshill

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 Foleshill?

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

Who issues HMO licences in Foleshill?

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

How long does an HMO licence last?

A licence can last up to five years. Coventry City Council may grant a shorter licence, for example where it has concerns about the property or the management.

Got a house in Foleshill in mind?

Call or send the form and we'll arrange a survey at a time that suits you.

Call free Guide price