Article 4 by council › Solihull
HMO Article 4 in Solihull
Do you need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO in Solihull? What the council's own direction says, with dates, the map and the source.
No. Solihull had no HMO Article 4 direction in force when checked.
A small HMO of 3 to 6 people is permitted development in Solihull, subject to HMO licensing. Note: The council says it is exploring an Article 4 direction to restrict permitted development rights for conversion to smaller HMOs; press reports in 2026 say councillors agreed to pursue one with consultation targeted for the end of the year. Checked 28 September 2026.
Council housing enforcement page states: 'Solihull Council is exploring an Article 4 Direction which would restrict permitted development rights for conversion of properties into smaller HMOs.' No dates given and no direction made.
Check an exact postcode
A direction can cover part of a council, and the national dataset is incomplete. This asks the planning data service for the exact point and falls back to the council's own statement.
What an Article 4 direction means
HMO Article 4 directions remove the permitted-development right to convert a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4, 3 to 6 people). Inside one, that conversion needs full planning permission. Councils may also run additional licensing (smaller HMOs) or selective licensing (all private rentals) in designated areas. Planning permission and licensing are separate: a licence does not grant planning permission, and permission does not remove the need for a licence.
Sources: Solihull council, planning.data.gov.uk Article 4 direction areas, gov.uk HMO licensing. Indicative; confirm with the council before you offer.