Gillingham Drylining FAQ
Do I need an HMO licence in Gillingham?
Probably, yes — and the rules are tighter than most landlords realise. Gillingham City Council operates an Article 4 Direction under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. This removed permitted development rights for small HMOs (3-6 unrelated tenants sharing a house) and means you need planning permission for HMO conversions in addition to a licence.
When you need an HMO licence in Gillingham:
- 5 or more tenants from 2 or more households sharing any amenity (kitchen, bathroom, or toilet) — mandatory HMO licence under the Housing Act 2004 - 3-4 tenants (small HMO) — Article 4 Direction applies, planning permission required in addition to building regulations approval - Purpose-built flats — HMO licensing does not apply; lease/freehold rules govern instead
Application is to Gillingham City Council's Private Sector Housing team. Current fee (2026): around £1,400-£1,800 per property, valid for 5 years. The council publishes a public register of licensed HMOs.
For the dry lining scope in a Gillingham HMO, you will need: 30-minute fire-rated plasterboard (Type F) on escape routes (stairs, landings, hallways); acoustic separating walls achieving 40 dB Rw between bedsits; smoke detection to BS 5839-6 (Grade D, LD2 minimum); and Building Control sign-off through Gillingham City Council. We handle the full drylining + acoustic + fire-rated scope and coordinate with Building Control on your behalf.