HMO Article 4 is a pivotal aspect of housing regulation that significantly impacts property transformations and community planning. Understanding its intricacies is essential for property owners, investors, and residents alike.
What is HMO Article 4?
HMO stands for House in Multiple Occupation, a property where at least three tenants live, forming more than one household, and share facilities like a kitchen or bathroom. HMO Article 4, on the other hand, is a regulatory provision enforced by local councils to manage the conversion of properties into HMOs within specific geographical areas.
How Does it Operate?
Article 4 serves as a zoning mechanism employed by councils to retain control over the transformation of properties into HMOs. Without this regulation, property owners could freely convert dwellings, potentially disrupting the balance of residential and non-residential spaces. Article 4 grants councils the authority to restrict such conversions, ensuring a judicious distribution of housing types within designated zones.
Why Do Councils Enforce Article 4?
to preserve the character and harmony of communities
to help prevent the over-concentration of HMOs in particular areas
to mitigate potential issues such as increased noise, parking problems, and changes to the neighborhood's overall ambiance
Brief Overview:
HMO Unleashed: Without Article 4, property owners can freely transform their dwellings into HMOs, potentially turning lovely neighborhoods into overcrowded communal hubs.
Council Intervention: Article 4 is activated by councils to regain control, placing restrictions on HMO conversions within specific zones, aligning with broader urban planning goals.
Community Harmony: With Article 4 in action, councils aim to maintain a healthy mix of residential and non-residential properties, preventing overcrowding and preserving the peaceful vibes of local communities.
Where can I find HMO Article 4 areas in Property Filter?
These are two sections where you can find HMO Article 4 areas:
Market Data
Property Details Page
A. Market Data
On your Property Filter side panel, click Market Data
Select "Planning Constraints Maps" and tick HMO Article 4 "ON"
Zoom in/out as you see fit
B. Property Details Page
From your Leads Cards, select one and click "Show Details"
Navigate to the map section on the right part of the page. Click the drop-down menu and select "HMO Article 4 Map"
Wait for it to load. Zoom out and see if it's inside a purple-shaded area, it means the property is inside the HMO Article 4 Area.
For our sample below, the property is outside the purple-shaded area, meaning it is outside HMO Article 4 area. It also means that no permission is needed when converting this property into an HMO.
