Landlord licensing in City of Wolverhampton Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationwide to properties occupied by five or more people forming two or more households. This covers HMOs of three or more storeys, as well as smaller HMOs with fewer storeys.

Additional licensing

City of Wolverhampton Council operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs that are not subject to mandatory licensing. This scheme covers all HMOs with three or four occupants in two or more households within specific designated wards across the city.

Selective licensing

A selective licensing scheme is currently in operation within designated areas of City of Wolverhampton. This applies to all privately rented properties let to a single household or two people forming two households within these specific zones.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence fees are typically around £900-£1,200. Additional HMO and Selective Licence fees are approximately £750-£1,000.

Towns covered

Wolverhampton

What this means for you

In England, landlords must be aware of their legal obligations under the Housing Act 2004, the Renters' Rights Act 2025, and various other housing regulations. These include maintaining property standards, ensuring gas and electrical safety, and protecting tenancy deposits. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced significant changes to the private rented sector, including new requirements for landlords regarding tenant evictions, property conditions, and transparent renting practices. It is crucial for landlords to stay informed about all current legislation to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Specific licensing schemes may apply depending on the property type and location within Wolverhampton.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website