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Article 4 HMO Planning Rules Explained
A clear guide to Article 4 directions and what they mean for HMO investors
Article 4 directions can restrict your ability to turn a residential property into an HMO without planning permission. This guide explains what Article 4 is, how to check if it applies to your area and what it means for your HMO deal.
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What is an Article 4 direction?
An Article 4 direction is a planning rule introduced by local councils that removes the permitted development rights that normally allow you to change a property from a single household (C3 use class) to a small HMO (C4 use class) without planning permission. When an Article 4 direction is in place, you need to apply for planning permission to create an HMO.
Article 4 directions are applied by individual councils, so the rules vary by area. Some councils have no Article 4 direction, some have it across the whole borough, and some have it in specific wards or streets. Before you take on an HMO deal, you should check whether the property is in an Article 4 area.
The Deal Board includes an Article 4 checker tool that helps you assess whether a property is likely to be in an Article 4 area, and every HMO deal on the platform shows the property's planning use class so you can see whether it is already classified as an HMO or whether you would need to apply for change of use.
Why use The Deal Board
Article 4 checker tool
Use the free Article 4 checker on The Deal Board to assess whether a property is likely to be in an Article 4 area before you commit.
Planning use class shown
Every HMO deal on The Deal Board shows the property's current planning use class, so you can see if it is already classified as an HMO.
Full HMO deal analysis
Each deal includes per-room income, compliance checks, full cost breakdowns and projected monthly profit.
Compliance status
See whether the property has an HMO license, fire doors, smoke alarms, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers.
Deal alerts
Set up alerts for HMO deals in your target postcodes so new opportunities are emailed to you first.
Direct landlord contact
Request viewings and negotiate directly with the landlord through the platform, with no middlemen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Article 4 direction?
An Article 4 direction is a planning rule that removes the permitted development rights that normally allow you to change a property from C3 (single household) to C4 (small HMO) without planning permission. When it is in place, you need to apply for planning permission to create an HMO.
How do I check if a property is in an Article 4 area?
Article 4 directions are applied by individual councils, so you need to check the local council's planning policy. The Deal Board includes a free Article 4 checker tool to help you assess whether a property is likely to be affected.
Can I still do an HMO deal in an Article 4 area?
Yes, but you may need to apply for planning permission to change the use from C3 to C4. This adds time and cost to the deal, so you should factor it into your numbers before committing.
What is the difference between C3 and C4 use class?
C3 is a single household dwelling. C4 is a small HMO (3 to 6 unrelated tenants). Properties with 7 or more tenants are classed as Sui Generis and always require planning permission regardless of Article 4.
Is it free to join?
Yes. Creating an investor account and browsing deals is completely free. The Article 4 checker tool is also free to use.