HMO planning and Article 4 in Great Barr

Midlands HMO provides HMO planning permission support in Great Barr: we work out what Birmingham City Council needs, gather the evidence and help you keep the house compliant.

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

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

Ask about a house in Great Barr

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

An HMO in Great Barr 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.

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 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 Great Barr 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 Great Barr

Planning for an HMO in Great Barr 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 Great Barr 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.

  • Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins
  • Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
  • Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies
  • Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
  • Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans

HMO planning and Article 4 near Great Barr

What landlords in Great Barr ask us

Can you fix the issues a council inspection found?

Yes. We price the works on the inspection report, carry them out and provide the evidence the council asks for.

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 Great Barr 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.

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

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

Need HMO planning permission help in Great Barr?

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

Call free Guide price