Small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) conversions

You will need planning permission to convert small properties into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) in Croydon.

Croydon Council introduced an Article 4 Direction on 28 January 2020 to protect family homes (houses and flats) by requiring planning permission to convert these properties into small houses of multiple occupation (HMOs). The Article 4 Direction was confirmed to come into place on 28 January 2020, a year after it was first made.

The Article 4 Direction applies to the whole borough.

The Article 4 Direction Schedule:

Development consisting of a change of use of a building and any land within its curtilage from a use falling within Class (C3) (Dwellinghouses) of the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) to a use falling within Class C4 (Houses in multiple occupation) of that Schedule, being development comprised within Class L(b) of Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the GDPO and not being development comprised within any other Class.

Further information about HMO licensing 
Further information about making a planning application 

For further information please contact the Spatial Planning team by emailing ldf@croydon.gov.uk or calling us on 020 8407 1385.

Download HMO Article 4 Direction

Download background information