Planning for HMOs - A Practical Guide to Planning Permission for Houses in Multiple Occupation

HMO LANDLORDS BEWARE - THE PLANNERS ARE COMING.

The HMO sector has boomed over the past 12 years - landlords have boosted returns by buying up houses, extending them and renting them to several sharers. This boom has drawn the attention of the planners, who have been turning the screws. In some areas, all houses or flats occupied by three or more people need planning permission (thanks to the spread of Article 4 Directions). Where permission is needed, planning policies are often very restri...