Sandwell HMO licensing guide

Sandwell HMO licence — do you need one?

Sandwell 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 Sandwell announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 1 October 2024 (5 years)

Sandwell Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing

Borough-wide additional HMO licensing for all small HMOs (3-4 sharers), bedsits and rooms in houses not covered by mandatory licensing. Fee £1,001 for 5 years (up to £220 discount for accredited landlords).

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Sandwell-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).
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HMO licensing in Sandwell — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Sandwell?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Sandwell 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 Sandwell?
Sandwell currently has one scheme on our register: Sandwell Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing (from 1 October 2024 (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 Sandwell?
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. Sandwell's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Sandwell?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Sandwell 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 Sandwell?
HMO licence applications in Sandwell are handled by Sandwell Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Sandwell with other areas we track.

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