Landlord licensing in Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies for qualifying properties, specifically those occupied by five or more persons forming two or more households, who share amenities.

Additional licensing

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has the power to implement additional licensing for smaller HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing, should housing conditions necessitate such a scheme in the future. Landlords should regularly check the council's website for updates.

Selective licensing

While no selective licensing scheme is currently in force across the whole borough, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has the power to designate specific areas for selective licensing of privately rented properties. This could be implemented to address issues such as poor housing conditions or anti-social behaviour. Landlords should monitor council announcements for any proposed schemes.

Typical fees

Around £750 for a five-year mandatory HMO licence.

Towns covered

Dudley

What this means for you

In Dudley, landlords must be aware of their responsibilities under the Housing Act 2004 and the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This includes providing homes that meet the Decent Homes Standard, adhering to new rules on evictions, and ensuring properties are safe and well-managed. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to larger Houses in Multiple Occupation. The council also has powers to introduce additional or selective licensing schemes in certain areas to improve housing standards and management. Landlords should check for any current or proposed schemes that might affect their properties.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website