Birmingham HMO licensing guide

Birmingham HMO licence — do you 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. Last checked 13 July 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.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
Run the free HMO checker

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 currently has one scheme on our register: Birmingham Selective Licensing Scheme (25 wards) (from 5 June 2023 (5 years)). Each 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 £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
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.

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

HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Birmingham with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

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.