Telford and Wrekin Council has opened a 10-week consultation on proposals to introduce additional licensing and inspection requirements for all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within its area. This move aims to enhance safety and management standards across the HMO sector, which is of particular interest to landlords managing smaller HMOs currently outside mandatory licensing.

Current Licensing and Planning Framework for HMOs

At present, the council mandates licensing only for HMOs housing five or more people forming two or more households. Larger HMOs with more than six occupants require full planning permission, while those with six or fewer occupants can be established under permitted development rights without planning consent. This regulatory framework means that many smaller HMOs operate without direct council oversight through licensing or planning controls.

Proposed Changes: Article 4 Direction and Additional Licensing

The consultation proposes an Article 4 direction that would remove permitted development rights for smaller HMOs, requiring planning permission for any new HMO regardless of size. Importantly, this change would not affect existing HMOs, which would remain under current planning arrangements. Alongside this, the council is considering introducing an additional licensing scheme to cover all HMOs, extending inspection and compliance checks beyond the current mandatory licensing scope.

The council states that these measures would enable it to identify the location of all new HMOs and focus on improving safety and hazard compliance among landlords. This approach reflects a growing trend among local authorities to tighten regulation of the HMO sector to ensure tenant safety and property standards.

Implications for Landlords and Agents

For landlords, these proposals signal increased regulatory oversight, particularly for those managing smaller HMOs that currently fall outside mandatory licensing. The requirement for planning permission for all new HMOs could affect development and conversion plans, potentially adding time and cost to projects. Additionally, an expanded licensing scheme would mean more frequent inspections and compliance requirements, emphasising the need for landlords to maintain high standards in property management and safety.

Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, commented: “We want to make sure that homes in the HMO sector are safe, well-managed and meet fair standards, and the proposals we’ve put forward are designed to help us achieve that. The consultation is now live, and this is the moment when people’s voices are essential. Nothing has been decided yet, and we need residents, landlords and community organisations to tell us what they think so that any future approach is balanced, transparent and genuinely shaped by local people.”

Landlords and agents operating in Telford and Wrekin are encouraged to participate in the consultation to help shape the final policy. The council has made the consultation documents available online, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views on both the Article 4 direction and the additional licensing scheme.

Next Steps and Wider Context

The consultation period offers landlords time to assess the potential impact of these changes and prepare for possible new obligations. Should the proposals be adopted, landlords will need to ensure compliance with planning permission requirements for new HMOs and be ready for additional licensing inspections.

This development aligns with broader regulatory trends across the UK, where local authorities increasingly use licensing schemes and planning controls to regulate HMOs, aiming to improve tenant safety and housing quality. Landlords should monitor these changes closely and seek professional advice where necessary to remain compliant.

TLA Update

The Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. Legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers are invited to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/