Birmingham HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Birmingham — do I need one?

Birmingham has 1 licensing scheme on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Birmingham announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: 5 June 2023 (5 years)

Birmingham Selective Licensing Scheme (25 wards)

Selective licensing covering 25 wards including Aston, Lozells, Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath, Bordesley Green and others — 40,000–50,000 privately rented homes affected. £700 per licence, 5-year scheme.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Birmingham-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

  • 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
  • A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
Run the free HMO checker

Stay on top of HMO compliance with RentFig

RentFig tracks every HMO licence renewal alongside gas safety, EICR, EPC, fire alarm tests and right-to-rent checks. Email reminders, audit trail, AI assistant on WhatsApp. Free for one property.

Start freeSee features

Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Birmingham schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Birmingham City Council before letting or applying for a licence.