Landlord licensing in Birmingham City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory licensing applies to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are occupied by five or more people forming two or more separate households, who share facilities.

Additional licensing

Yes - designated wards are subject to Additional Licensing for smaller HMOs that do not fall under mandatory licensing requirements. This applies to properties with three or four tenants forming two or more households.

Selective licensing

Yes - certain designated wards operate Selective Licensing. This requires all privately rented properties in these areas to be licensed, regardless of their occupancy type.

Typical fees

Licence fees vary, typically starting from approximately £1,200 for a five-year licence. Discounts may be available for accredited landlords.

Towns covered

Birmingham, Edgbaston, Selly Oak, Erdington

What this means for you

Landlords and letting agents in Birmingham City Council must check if a property falls within a licensing designation before advertising it for rent. Operating a licensable property without a licence can lead to civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence and a rent repayment order for up to 12 months of rent. It is essential to ensure all safety certificates, such as gas safety, electrical safety, and EPCs, are current and to keep a copy of the property licence with your compliance records. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 mandates that all landlords provide tenants with a written tenancy agreement and information on their rights and responsibilities.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website