Planning and building control

Consultation on Article 4 Directions for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

We are consulting on a number of proposed 'with immediate effect' Article 4 Directions. This means planning permission is needed to convert a family home into a small HMO for three to six unrelated people in certain areas.

Have your say on the Article 4 Directions for HMOs

Planning permission for houses in multiple occupation

Find out whether you need planning permission to convert a property into a HMO. You can also check whether your property is in an Article 4 Direction area and view the areas affected by the current restrictions.

Do I need planning permission?

You need planning permission if:

  • your HMO will be occupied by 7 or more people, anywhere in Liverpool
  • your property is in an Article 4 Direction area and you want to convert it into a HMO for 3 or more unrelated people who form 2 or more separate households and share facilities such as a kitchen and bathroom

You should also check whether your HMO needs a valid licence.

HMOs in Article 4 Direction areas

As above, if your property is in an Article 4 Direction area, you need planning permission before converting it into a HMO for 3 or more unrelated people.

Properties that were already being used as HMOs before the relevant Article 4 Directions came into effect are not affected by these changes.

Article 4 Directions in Liverpool

The following Article 4 Directions apply in Liverpool:

19 July 2018: The Dales Area

17 June 2021: 11 Wards Article 4 Direction

5 November 2026: Article 4 Directions came into immediate effect for:

View a map of the Article 4 areas

Proposed Article 4 Direction

A further Article 4 Direction was made on 5 November 2026 for other parts of the city. Subject to confirmation, it will come into force on 5 November 2027.

Find out more about the proposed Article 4 Direction and take part in the consultation

Further guidance

You can find further advice in relation to HMOs and planning requirements in our planning advice note.

I need proof that planning permission is not required

If your property was already being used as a HMO before the Article 4 Direction came into effect, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to provide formal proof that planning permission is not required.