HMO planning and Article 4 in Oldbury

Our HMO planning permission service in Oldbury starts with the council's requirements for that address, not a generic checklist.

We work in Oldbury for landlords, investors and owners converting their own property.

Work by S&K and vetted subcontractors

Quotes itemised so you can compare

One team for build, compliance and lettings

Ask about a house in Oldbury

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

HMO projects in Oldbury are shaped by the rules of Sandwell Council. Before we price anything, we check whether the address falls within an additional licensing scheme or an Article 4 direction, because both change what the house needs and how long it takes.

Quotes list each item of work, so you can see where the money goes and compare like for like.

HMO rules in Sandwell Council

Rule	Sandwell Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)	In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensing	In force Whole borough, 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2029
Selective licensing	None found
Article 4 direction for small HMOs	Proposed Cabinet approved an immediate borough-wide direction on 14 October 2026; not confirmed as in force when checked

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

Sandwell Council's cabinet approved an immediate borough-wide Article 4 direction on 14 October 2026. We could not confirm whether it has been made, so we check with the council before any change of use. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Sandwell Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 30 September 2029), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.

How we handle HMO planning permission work in Oldbury

Planning for an HMO in Oldbury 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 Oldbury 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.

Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans
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 Oldbury

West Bromwich 1.6 miles
Rowley Regis 1.6 miles
Smethwick 1.8 miles
Dudley 2.8 miles
Tipton 3 miles
Handsworth 3.2 miles

Questions about HMO planning permission in Oldbury

Who issues HMO licences in Oldbury?

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

Do HMOs in Oldbury 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.

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

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

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