One of the busiest cities in the UK for rentals is likely to see stricter controls on HMOs in many suburbs.
Bristol council is consulting to make many areas within its boundaries subject to so-called Article 4 Directions.
These are the processes by which landlords seeking to turn larger houses into HMOs for between three and six unrelated tenants would require planning consent.
Article 4 Directions already exist in heavily student areas of the city, including Clifton and Redland.
But seven other areas are now being consulted on the move.
A council statement says: “If the new Article 4 Directions are confirmed, from January 1, 2027, you’ll need planning permission for a material change of use from a dwelling house (Use Class C3) to a small house in multiple occupation (Use Class C4) in these areas.
“We’ll take into account all comments made when deciding whether to confirm the new Article 4 Directions. They can’t take effect until we’ve confirmed them.
“Until then, normal permitted development rights will apply.”
The review of areas subject to these controls is the first for five years, and the consultation is open until January 29.
Around 29% of homes within Bristol’s boundaries are in the private rental sector.
This article is taken from Landlord Today