Landlord licensing in Solihull Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.

Additional licensing

Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs, including those with three or four tenants. Designations run for up to five years and are ward- or street-specific, so confirm the position for the exact address.

Selective licensing

Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Check the current designations before you advertise or let a property.

Towns covered

Solihull

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Solihull Council area, first confirm which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Designations typically run for up to five years and can be ward- or street-specific. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Always check the council's current designations before advertising a property. Ensure compliance with the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and always keep an evidence pack for every tenancy: a current gas safety record, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and all required prescribed documents.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website