Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Kidsgrove we start by measuring every room and checking Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
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 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council
| Rule | Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough 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 | Proposed The council is investigating a borough-wide direction; none in force when checked |
Checked October 2026. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is investigating a borough-wide Article 4 direction. None was in force when we checked. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. We couldn't confirm whether Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council runs additional licensing, so we check with the council for the address.
Void and turnaround refurbishment in Kidsgrove: what we do
We turn round empty HMO rooms in Kidsgrove between tenancies: inspection, repairs, redecoration, a deep clean and safety checks, finished with photos you can use to advertise the room. Each job is quoted per room or per job after we have seen it.
Because tenants can now give notice at any point in the year, voids in Kidsgrove are harder to predict. We agree standard finishes and a set checklist with landlords across Staffordshire, so a room can be put right without waiting on decisions.
- Repairs, filling and redecoration to an agreed standard
- Fire door, closer and alarm checks
- Move-out inspection with dated photos
- Completion photos ready for advertising the room
- Gas safety and electrical report dates reviewed