Portsmouth is a strict HMO regime — planning permission likely required.
Portsmouth is one of the strictest HMO regimes in the UK. The HMO SPD 2019 mandates a separate communal living room (or combined living space ≥24 m² for 3-5 persons, ≥34 m² for 6+). Refusals on room-mix grounds are common — see the 19 March 2026 refusal at 40a Penhale Road.
Permitted development rights from C3 (dwelling) to C4 (small HMO) are removed across the council area. Any change of use to a 3–6 person HMO will require a full planning application.
HMOs smaller than 5 occupants may still require a licence under the additional licensing scheme, covering the entire council area.
Any HMO occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households requires a mandatory HMO licence from the council. Fines for unlicensed operation can exceed £30,000.
Portsmouth sets a council-specific minimum room size above the national HMO Mgmt Regs 2018 floor. Plans must meet the higher local standard.
These ratios are the council's expected baseline. Larger HMOs may need additional bathrooms and kitchen facilities — plan for at least one bathroom per 4–5 tenants in 6-bed schemes.
Council policy mandates either a dedicated living room (≥11 m² for 3-5 persons, ≥14 m² for 6+), OR a combined living space ≥24 m² (3-5) / ≥34 m² (6+). Upload your floor plan to verify your layout meets this.
Retrospective application for Class C4 HMO use refused by Portsmouth City Council. The council found the property lacked a separate communal living room and that the dining room was inadequately sized with no outlook or daylight — failing the Portsmouth HMO SPD 2019 space standards.
Operating as a Professional Home under Applecore Property Services. Full occupancy within 31 days of completion.
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