Houses in Multiple Occupation in Eastbourne

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 'household' (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen.

Planning regulations classify HMOs as either being small or large depending on the number of occupants:

• Small HMOs (Class C4) - properties housing between three and six unrelated people who share amenities
• Large HMOs (Class sui generis) - seven or more people sharing.

In Eastbourne, additional planning interventions have been put in place that means that the creation of a new HMO may now need planning permission where previously it may not have.

Article 4 Direction

We have introduced an Article 4 Direction that withdraws permitted development rights associated with HMOs in specific parts of Eastbourne.

From 30 July 2025, planning permission will be required for the change of use of a dwellinghouse to a small HMO (occupied by between 3 and 6 people who share basic amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom facilities), within the wards of Devonshire, Meads and Upperton, and a small part of St Anthonys ward.

To find out whether the Article 4 Direction on Small HMO's applies to your property please see the map of the area that the Article 4 Direction covers below. You can also download a copy of the Article 4(1) Direction and other associated documents below.

The Article 4 Direction does not apply retrospectively, so any development undertaken before it came into force is not affected. Therefore, if the authorised use of a property as a small HMO has commenced before the date the Article 4 direction takes effect, it would not need to apply for planning permission. However, owners of small HMOs created prior to the introduction of the Article 4 Direction may wish to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development to confirm that the HMO use is lawful and does not require planning permission.

Large HMOs are properties occupied by more than 6 people who share basic amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom facilities. They are classified as 'sui generis' and always require planning permission.

Attachments:

Notice of Article 4 Direction (PDF, 1 MB)

Map of Article 4 Direction area (PDF, 6 MB)

HMO Article 4 Direction FAQ (PDF, 121 KB)

Supplementary Planning Document

In July 2025, a new Supplementary Planning Document relating to HMOs was adopted. This provides guidance on the application of adopted planning policies involving proposals for new or converted HMOs that balances the need for HMO accommodation to provide much needed new housing options, with seeking to address concerns relating to the proliferation of HMOs and the impacts that this has on residents and local communities, particularly in areas of high concentration.

You can download a copy of the HMO Supplementary Planning Document (2025) below.

Eastbourne Houses in Multiple Occupation SPD 2025 - Adopted (PDF, 1 MB)

HMO Licensing

Once you have planning permission you'll also need to find out if you need a HMO licence.

Eastbourne Borough Council currently operates a mandatory licensing scheme under the Housing Act 2004, which requires an HMO licence for any property with 5 or more unrelated occupiers living as separate households and sharing amenities. Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is a criminal offence and there can be serious consequences arising.