Sandwell HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Sandwell — do I 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. 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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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.