Landlord licensing in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to all Houses in Multiple Occupation occupied by five or more persons forming two or more separate households, sharing facilities, across the entire borough.

Additional licensing

Additional licensing covers smaller HMOs across most of the borough, specifically those occupied by three or four persons forming two or more separate households, sharing facilities. Landlords of qualifying properties must apply for a licence.

Selective licensing

Selective licensing operates in designated areas within Sandwell, requiring all privately rented properties to be licensed, regardless of their HMO status. This scheme aims to address issues such as poor property conditions and antisocial behaviour in specific neighbourhoods.

Typical fees

The fee for a five-year mandatory HMO licence is approximately £850. Fees for additional and selective licences may vary and are typically published on the council's website.

Towns covered

West Bromwich, Smethwick

What this means for you

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council operates a landlord licensing scheme to improve housing standards and management across the borough. Landlords and agents must ensure compliance with all statutory obligations, including the Housing Act 2004 and the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This includes providing tenants with clear tenancy agreements, maintaining properties to a safe standard, and adhering to new possession ground changes. Regular updates and guidance are available on the council's website to help landlords meet their responsibilities.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website