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Converting a house into a House in Multiple Occupation involves a distinct set of planning and licensing rules on top of the usual design work — we handle both together.
Book a Free ConsultationA small HMO of 3–6 unrelated occupiers is a change from use class C3 (dwellinghouse) to C4 (small HMO), which is often permitted development — unless your borough has removed those rights with an Article 4 direction, which is common in parts of West London with high HMO concentrations. Where Article 4 applies, full planning permission is required instead. Larger HMOs (7+ occupiers, "sui generis") always need full planning permission.
Beyond planning, most HMOs also need an HMO licence from the local authority, which sets its own room size and amenity standards. We design layouts that satisfy both planning policy and licensing requirements from the outset, checking your specific borough's Article 4 status before advising on the route.