HMO planning and Article 4 in Willenhall

For landlords in Willenhall, our HMO planning permission service turns the council's requirements into a clear list of documents, works and dates.

Work in Willenhall is surveyed, designed and managed by the same team, with one point of contact from first call to handover.

  • Covering Willenhall and nearby West Midlands towns
  • Free survey and fixed written quote
  • Quotes itemised so you can compare

Get a quote for Willenhall

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

HMO projects in Willenhall are shaped by the rules of Walsall 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.

Our team is based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 6 miles from Willenhall. That keeps survey visits, site meetings and follow-up inspections easy to arrange.

HMO rules in Walsall Council

RuleWalsall Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingIn part of the area
Nine wards: Palfrey, Paddock, Pleck and St Matthew's (to 31 August 2027), and Bentley and Darlaston North, Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Darlaston South and Willenhall South (to 30 June 2028)
Selective licensingNone found
Article 4 direction for small HMOsIn force
Whole borough, since 1 October 2025

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

Walsall Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Willenhall 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. Walsall Council runs additional licensing in nine wards, including Palfrey, Paddock, Pleck, St Matthew's, Blakenall, Birchills Leamore, Darlaston South and Willenhall South, so smaller HMOs there need a licence too. We check whether the address in Willenhall is covered.

HMO planning and Article 4 in Willenhall: what we do

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

HMO planning and Article 4 near Willenhall

What landlords in Willenhall ask us

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.

How long does an HMO licence last?

A licence can last up to five years. Walsall Council may grant a shorter licence, for example where it has concerns about the property or the management.

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Willenhall?

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 Willenhall needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.

Who issues HMO licences in Willenhall?

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

Ready to talk about Willenhall?

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

Call free Guide price