Do I need an HMO licence in Birmingham?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Birmingham runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Birmingham?

Birmingham has one scheme in force on our register: Birmingham Selective Licensing Scheme (25 wards) (from 5 June 2023 (5 years)). It can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Birmingham?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Birmingham's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Birmingham?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Birmingham can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Birmingham?

HMO licence applications in Birmingham are handled by Birmingham City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Birmingham HMO licensing guide

Birmingham HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Birmingham if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Birmingham's own licensing scheme can also cover smaller lets (details below). Birmingham City Council sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to Birmingham City Council using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Birmingham?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedNot in force in Birmingham
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Birmingham · See selective licensing in Birmingham

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Birmingham announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 22 October 2026. 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.
Letting an unlicensed HMO can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 (up from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026) or prosecution, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

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HMO licensing in Birmingham — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Birmingham?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Birmingham runs 1 additional or selective scheme that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Birmingham?: Birmingham has one scheme in force on our register: Birmingham Selective Licensing Scheme (25 wards) (from 5 June 2023 (5 years)). It can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Birmingham?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Birmingham's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Birmingham?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Birmingham can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Birmingham?: HMO licence applications in Birmingham are handled by Birmingham City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Birmingham HMO?

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Birmingham with other areas we track.

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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.