Article 4 HMO check — Coventry

If the property sits inside one of Coventry City Council's 1 HMO Article 4 Direction area, yes: the permitted development right to change a house (C3) into a small HMO (C4, 3–6 occupiers) is withdrawn and a full planning application is required. Outside those areas a small HMO is normally permitted development. A large HMO (7+ occupiers) always needs permission. Check the exact postcode above.

Across the 13 published areas: Change of use: dwellinghouse (C3) to small HMO (C4) — up to 6 unrelated occupiers (1 area); Demolition of buildings (4 areas); Gates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure (4 areas); Hard surfaces within the curtilage (driveways) (3 areas); Installation of solar equipment on domestic premises (2 areas); Other alterations to the roof (rooflights) (2 areas); Porches (2 areas); Means of access to a highway (2 areas); Closed-circuit television cameras (2 areas); Schedule 2 Part 31 Class A (2 areas); Schedule 2 Part 7 Class E (2 areas); Installation of stand-alone solar equipment on domestic premises (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class C (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class D (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class E (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class F (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class G (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class H (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class I (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class J (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class K (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class L (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class M (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class N (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class O (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class OA (1 area); Electronic communications code operators (telecoms masts, cabinets) (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 16 Class B (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 16 Class C (1 area); Enlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwellinghouse (extensions) (1 area); Additions or alterations to the roof (roof extensions, dormers) (1 area); Buildings incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse (outbuildings, sheds) (1 area); Chimneys, flues or soil and vent pipes (1 area); Microwave antenna (satellite dishes) (1 area); Exterior painting (1 area); Electrical outlets for recharging vehicles (1 area); Electrical upstands for recharging vehicles (1 area); Temporary use of land (28-day rule) (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 5 Class A (1 area); Agricultural development on units of less than 5 hectares (1 area); Extension or alteration of a shop or financial building (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 7 Class C (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 7 Class D (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 7 Class G (1 area).

13 Article 4 areas are currently published on planning.data.gov.uk, of which 1 is HMO-related (C3→C4); the most recent HMO direction came into force 2022-09-08. Councils can add or amend directions at any time.

It is a breach of planning control. The council can serve an enforcement notice requiring the HMO use to stop; ignoring it is a criminal offence with an unlimited fine. Lenders and insurers may also treat it as a breach of their terms.

No. Article4Check UK is an independent private service that reads the open data Coventry City Council publishes to planning.data.gov.uk. Always confirm with the council's planning department before committing money.