Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Longton we start by measuring every room and checking Stoke-on-Trent City Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
Our team is based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 31 miles from Longton. That keeps survey visits, site meetings and follow-up inspections easy to arrange.
HMO rules in Stoke-on-Trent City Council
| Rule | Stoke-on-Trent City Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | Proposed A citywide scheme was proposed in August 2026, subject to consultation |
| Selective licensing | Not confirmed |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | In force Whole city, immediate direction from 23 October 2026. It lapses unless the council confirms it within six months |
Checked October 2026 against Stoke-on-Trent City Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Longton into a small HMO needs planning permission. This is an immediate direction that took effect on 23 October 2026 and lapses unless the council confirms it within six months. We prepare the planning application before any conversion work starts. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Stoke-on-Trent City Council proposed a citywide additional licensing scheme in August 2026, subject to consultation, so smaller HMOs may need a licence in future.
Void and turnaround refurbishment in Longton: what we do
We turn round empty HMO rooms in Longton 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 Longton 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.
- Completion photos ready for advertising the room
- Gas safety and electrical report dates reviewed
- Deep clean of the room and nearby shared areas
- Repairs, filling and redecoration to an agreed standard
- Fire door, closer and alarm checks
Void and turnaround refurbishment near Longton
- Meir under a mile
- Fenton 1.8 miles
- Stoke-on-Trent 2.6 miles
- Hanley 3.3 miles
- Newcastle-under-Lyme 4.9 miles
- Burslem 5 miles