Article 4 & HMO Conversions in London
Article 4 directions are a planning matter — not the same as HMO or selective licensing. This guide explains the difference and when you need planning permission before letting to sharers.
What is an Article 4 direction?
Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order, converting a dwelling (use class C3) to a small HMO (use class C4) is normally permitted development. An Article 4 direction withdraws that right in a defined area — so full planning permission is required before the conversion takes place.
Planning vs licensing — keep them separate
Property licensing (Mandatory, Additional, or Selective) deals with whether the property meets housing standards and can be legally let as an HMO or private rental. Planning permission deals with whether the change of use itself is allowed. Landlords often need clarity on both, but they are different applications to different council teams.
Why HMO landlords care about Article 4
Buying or refurbishing a property for sharers without checking Article 4 is a common cause of costly rework. Mortgage lenders, licensing officers, and planning enforcement may all ask whether the C4 use is lawful. Evidence might include a planning permission, a lawful development certificate, or documented continuous use — not just a licence application.
How to check your property
Start with your postcode: use our free Article 4 checker for an indicative borough-level status, then confirm on the council's Article 4 map or planning portal. Ward-level designations matter — a borough-wide direction and a street-level exception can produce different answers for adjacent properties.
Important: This guide is general information, not planning advice. For site-specific planning decisions, consult the local planning authority or a qualified planning consultant. HMO KIT focuses on licensing and property compliance — we can flag Article 4 risk but do not provide planning determinations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Article 4 the same as HMO licensing?
No. Article 4 is a planning restriction — it controls whether you can change a house from a single household (C3) to a small HMO (C4) without full planning permission. HMO licensing is separate housing legislation administered by the council's private rented sector team. You may need both.
What happens if I convert to an HMO without planning permission where Article 4 applies?
You may be committing unauthorised development. The council can issue an enforcement notice, require a retrospective planning application, or take other planning enforcement action. Licensing alone does not regularise a planning breach.
Does Article 4 apply in every London borough?
No. Some boroughs have borough-wide directions; others use ward or area-specific designations; a few have no active C3-to-C4 restriction. Status can change when councils adopt new directions — always verify for your postcode.
I already have an HMO licence — do I still need planning permission?
Possibly. A licence confirms housing standards compliance; it is not a substitute for planning consent. If Article 4 removed permitted development rights, you still need planning permission (or proof of lawful use) for the change of use.
Check your postcode for Article 4
Book a free consult, or run the free Article 4 checker — then confirm licensing separately if the property will be let to sharers.