HMO planning and Article 4 in Kings Norton

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

We cover Kings Norton and the surrounding West Midlands postcodes, including B38.

  • One team for build, compliance and lettings
  • Designed around Birmingham City Council's HMO standards
  • Quotes itemised so you can compare

Ask about a house in Kings Norton

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

Landlords in Kings Norton deal with Birmingham City Council for licensing, planning and housing standards. We keep those three in view together, so a layout that suits the licence also works for planning and building control.

We cover B38 and the neighbouring postcodes, with the same standards in Kings Norton as anywhere else in the West Midlands.

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 Kings Norton 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 Kings Norton

Planning for an HMO in Kings Norton 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 Kings Norton 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
  • Submission and liaison with the planning officer
  • Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
  • Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
  • Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins

HMO planning and Article 4 near Kings Norton

HMO planning and Article 4 in Kings Norton: common questions

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Kings Norton?

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 Kings Norton needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.

Do HMOs in Kings Norton 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.

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

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

Planning an HMO in Kings Norton?

Send us the address and we'll check the licensing and planning position before we talk about prices.

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