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Can you create an HMO inside an Article 4 Area?
Any landlord who is considering an HMO conversion should be aware of this.
When changing a property’s use class, the free grant of rights to change the class – known as ‘permitted development rights’ ensures that there is no need to apply for planning permission to sanction the change of use.
Article 4 restricts these permitted developments rights, meaning that full planning permission is required to change the use class, which in most instances will be Class C3 to C4/Sui Generis).
This means that changing of properties’ use classes without planning permission could be denied by the local authority, which could be problematic when converting a standard residential property into a large HMO.
As planning permission is not guaranteed to be granted, it is inherently risky to invest in a property inside of an Article 4 Direction with the intention of converting it for HMO operation.
To avoid unnecessary risk when sourcing an HMO property, check the local authority’s Article 4 Areas beforehand to see whether your desired property is affected.
Unsure on a property’s local authority? You can find a property’s local authority for housing here
So, yes, it is possible to create an HMO inside of an Article 4 area, however, it means that extra steps must be taken, and the local authority can reject it.
Looking for advice on your HMO project? Or need assistance with licensing or management? Speak to our HMO specialists to for assistance with your property