HMO planning and Article 4 in Stirchley

Midlands HMO supports HMO landlords in Stirchley with HMO planning permission, from measured plans and certificates to the works that close any gaps.

Whether the house in Stirchley is empty, let or mid-purchase, we can start with the survey.

Covering Stirchley and nearby West Midlands towns

Designed around Birmingham City Council's HMO standards

Quotes itemised so you can compare

Free survey in Stirchley

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

Shared houses in Stirchley need to satisfy Birmingham City Council's licensing team as well as building regulations. We plan for both from the first survey, which avoids rework later.

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

HMO rules in Birmingham City Council

Rule	Birmingham City Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)	In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensing	In force Whole city, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Selective licensing	In part of the area 25 of the city's 69 wards, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Article 4 direction for small HMOs	In 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 Stirchley 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.

HMO planning and Article 4 for Stirchley landlords

Planning for an HMO in Stirchley 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 Stirchley 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
Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
Existing and proposed floor plans and site plans
Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies

HMO planning and Article 4 near Stirchley

Bournville under a mile
Kings Heath 1.1 miles
Kings Norton 1.4 miles
Selly Oak 1.8 miles
Bournbrook 1.8 miles
Northfield 2.1 miles

Questions about HMO planning permission in Stirchley

Who issues HMO licences in Stirchley?

Birmingham City Council is the licensing authority for Stirchley. 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. Birmingham City Council may grant a shorter licence, for example where it has concerns about the property or the management.

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.

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Stirchley?

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 Stirchley needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.