HMO planning and Article 4 in Rowley Regis

Midlands HMO provides HMO planning permission support in Rowley Regis: we work out what Sandwell Council needs, gather the evidence and help you keep the house compliant.

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

Designed around Sandwell Council's HMO standards

Covering Rowley Regis and nearby West Midlands towns

Work by S&K and vetted subcontractors

Free survey in Rowley Regis

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

Sandwell Council is the licensing and planning authority for Rowley Regis. We check its rules for the exact street before we draw a single partition.

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 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 Rowley Regis

Planning for an HMO in Rowley Regis 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 Rowley Regis 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
Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans
Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins
Submission and liaison with the planning officer

HMO planning and Article 4 near Rowley Regis

Oldbury 1.6 miles
Dudley 2 miles
Halesowen 2.4 miles
Smethwick 3.1 miles
West Bromwich 3.2 miles
Brierley Hill 3.3 miles

What landlords in Rowley Regis ask us

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.

Who issues HMO licences in Rowley Regis?

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

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Rowley Regis?

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 Rowley Regis needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.

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

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