New rules for HMOs
At a meeting of the full Council on December 8, 2025, a decision was made to bring into force immediately an Article 4 Direction, covering the urban part of the borough north of the A2, to require planning permission for the conversion of houses into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) where there are up to six occupants.
This was confirmed by full Council on February 23, 2026. Planning permission is now required for all conversions of properties to HMOs north of the A2.
An interactive map of the area covered by the Article 4 Direction north of the A2 can be seen below.
At the same meeting in December 2025 councillors agreed to notify a non-immediate Article 4 Direction for the area to the south of the A2. This was confirmed by full Council on February 23, 2026 and will come into effect on December 10, 2026. Planning permission will be required for the conversion of all properties into HMOs from December 10, 2026.
Conversions to HMOs with more than six occupants have always required planning permission.
Until recently, HMOs with less than 6 occupants have had a deemed planning permission under legislation. The new Article 4 Directions remove that permitted development right, so Dartford Borough Council can now look more closely at each proposal when a planning application is submitted.
This change will help the council keep track of HMOs, and through our licensing function, make sure they are properly managed, and ensure they meet good living standards.
It also means planning policies, like those in the Dartford Plan, can apply when small HMOs are proposed, which have not previously needed planning permission.
Planning permission can still be granted where proposals are suitable, meet local housing needs and satisfy the policies set out in the Dartford Plan.
Copies of the Article 4 directions can be seen here.
Confirmed Article 4 Direction relating to HMOs north of the A2.
Confirmed Article 4 Direction relating to HMOs south of the A2.