Gloucester City Council is advancing plans to introduce city-wide additional HMO licensing, requiring all HMO landlords to apply for a licence. The council also proposes an Article 4 Direction in high-HMO-density wards, requiring planning permission for new conversions. If approved following public consultation, changes could come into force in 2026?2027. Landlords should monitor cabinet meeting outcomes.
City-wide additional licensing proposed. Requiring landlords to be licensed would, says the council, ensure homes meet minimum safety rules and are managed properly. Currently, only HMOs with five or more occupants need a licence, with non-compliant landlords facing fines of up to ?30,000. That penalty is set to rise to ?40,000 under the Renters' Rights Act. The proposed scheme would extend licensing to all HMOs regardless of occupant numbers.
Article 4 Direction in high-density wards. Imposing an Article 4 Direction would require landlords to secure planning permission before creating new HMOs, including smaller properties with six or fewer tenants. The measure is being considered for Kingsholm and Wotton, Westgate, Barton and Tredworth, Moreland, Kingsway, and Elmbridge. Subject to feedback, it could be introduced in April 2027.
Council leader statement. Council leader Councillor Jeremy Hilton said: "The council plans to enforce stricter regulations on Houses in Multiple Occupation in Gloucester to address the issue of HMO saturation, especially where family homes are frequently converted. Many conversions occur without licensing or planning permission, affecting local communities. The council aims to introduce mandatory HMO licensing across Gloucester and implement an Article 4 Direction in certain wards, requiring planning permission for HMOs with six or fewer residents."
Timeline and next steps. If given the go-ahead, the plans could be brought in during 2026 following consultation with residents. The council intends to reduce the impact of HMOs in areas where there are already large numbers by introducing an Article 4 Direction that will require landlords to seek planning permission. Landlords are advised to follow council cabinet meeting agendas closely and to engage with any public consultation once launched.
Action required
Monitor Gloucester City Council cabinet meetings and consultations. Landlords planning new HMO conversions in the proposed Article 4 wards should seek early planning advice. Begin preparing for the potential requirement to hold an additional licence for all HMOs regardless of size.
Effective
2027-04-01
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