What is an Article 4 direction?
An Article 4 direction is a council order that removes certain permitted development rights in an area. For landlords, the most common one removes the right to turn a family house (use class C3) into a small HMO (use class C4) without planning permission.
Read more in our guide: Selling an HMO portfolio
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 |
| Common use for landlords | Removing the right to change C3 dwellings to C4 small HMOs (3 to 6 people) |
| Large HMOs | 7 or more people usually need planning permission everywhere |
| Existing HMOs | Not affected if the use was lawfully established before the direction took effect |
| Proof of lawful use | Planning permission or a Lawful Development Certificate |
| Where to check | The council's planning website or a local search |
Why Councils Use Them
Councils use Article 4 directions to manage concentrations of HMOs, often in university towns and inner-city areas, by requiring a planning application for each new HMO. Applications can then be refused where an area already has a high proportion of shared housing. Most directions take effect after 12 months' notice.
Article 4 and Selling an HMO
- In an Article 4 area, an established lawful HMO can be worth more, because new competition is restricted.
- Buyers will want proof that the HMO use is lawful, such as a planning permission or a Lawful Development Certificate. Evidence of continuous use, such as tenancy agreements, council tax records and licences, supports an application.
- An HMO that has reverted to a family let for some time may lose its lawful HMO status.
- Searches will reveal the direction, so tackle questions before marketing.
Official Sources and Further Reading
General information for landlords in England, checked against official sources in October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice: speak to a qualified accountant or solicitor about your own circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Article 4 direction is a council order that removes certain permitted development rights in an area. For landlords, the most common one removes the right to turn a family house (use class C3) into a small HMO (use class C4) without planning permission.
Not if the HMO use was lawfully established before the direction came into force, but the landlord should be able to prove that.
Through a planning permission or a Lawful Development Certificate, supported by evidence of continuous HMO use such as tenancies and licences.
Often, yes. Restricting new HMOs reduces competition, which can make established lawful HMOs more attractive to investors.
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