HMO planning and Article 4 in Stourbridge

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

Our base in Great Barr is about 12 miles from Stourbridge, so surveys and site visits are straightforward to arrange.

Free survey and fixed written quote

Work by S&K and vetted subcontractors

One team for build, compliance and lettings

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

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

Because we also manage and maintain HMOs, we design with day-to-day running in mind: hard-wearing finishes, sensible storage and layouts that keep shared spaces usable.

HMO rules in Dudley Council

Rule	Dudley Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)	In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensing	Not confirmed
Selective licensing	Not confirmed
Article 4 direction for small HMOs	In force Whole borough, since 15 September 2023

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

Dudley Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Stourbridge 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. We couldn't confirm whether Dudley Council runs additional licensing, so we check with the council for the address.

Our HMO planning permission service in Stourbridge

Planning for an HMO in Stourbridge 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 Stourbridge 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.

Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
Submission and liaison with the planning officer
Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies
Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins

HMO planning and Article 4 near Stourbridge

Brierley Hill 2 miles
Wolverhampton 3 miles
Kingswinford 3.1 miles
Dudley 3.9 miles
Halesowen 4 miles
Rowley Regis 4.6 miles

Questions about HMO planning permission in Stourbridge

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 documents does Dudley 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 Dudley Council's current list for your application.

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

Only if Dudley Council runs an additional licensing scheme covering the address. Mandatory licensing starts at five or more people. We confirm the position with the council for the address.

Do HMOs in Stourbridge 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.