Do I need a landlord licence in Birmingham City Council?

Birmingham City Council currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.

How much does a property licence cost in Birmingham City Council?

Based on our current data, licence fees in Birmingham City Council are approximately: Additional HMO Licensing (Citywide) 2023-2028: £755 per property. Two-part payment: Part A £325 payable on application; Part B £430 payable before the licence is issued. No discounts for landlords owning multiple properties. Fee confirmed as accurate as of August 2024 (Kamma). No discounts available. Each property requires a separate licence at the full fee; Mandatory HMO Licensing: New fee structure introduced 31 March 2022. Fees are split into Part A (paid on application) and Part B (paid before licence is issued). The £1,125 total (Part A: £420 + Part B: £705) applies to properties with 5 occupants. Fees scale upward with number of occupants: higher-tier properties can reach £1,215 (Part A: £470 + Part B: £745) or £1,300 (Part A: £515 + Part B: £785). The fee increase in 2022 represented up to a 225% rise from previous rates. MLAS (Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme) discount was removed in 2022. Fees are set to cover all costs of the mandatory ring-fenced licensing account. No accreditation discounts available. The MLAS discount was removed from 31 March 2022 as membership does not reduce the time spent determining applications; Selective Licensing (25 Wards) 2023-2028: £700 per property for up to 5 years. Two-part payment via continuous payment authority: £375 taken on application; £325 taken when the decision to grant a draft licence is made. No discounts for multiple properties. Licences are non-transferable; if a property is sold or managing agent changes, a new licence is required at full fee. No refunds if a licence is cancelled before expiry. No discounts available. Each property in a covered ward requires a separate licence at the full £700 fee, regardless of how many properties a landlord owns. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.

Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in Birmingham City Council?

Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including Birmingham City Council. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to Birmingham City Council for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.

What happens if I rent without a licence in Birmingham City Council?

Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Enhanced research coverage

Landlord licensing in Birmingham City Council

West Midlands

We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.

Council website

Licensing scorecard

Enhanced coverage

Our current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council.

Selective licensing

Active selective

Additional HMO licensing

Active additional

Mandatory HMO licensing

Applies across England

Source confidence: High
Boundary confidence: Medium
Public register: Clear searchable register (1/5)
Last reviewed: 27 March 2026
Next review due: Not scheduled
Sources recorded: 17

Open the official council source

Our current data is a research summary, not a legal record. This should be verified with the council before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action. Mandatory HMO licensing may still apply even where no local additional or selective scheme is recorded.

Recommended next step

Verify the position with the official council source

Our current data shows an active local scheme and a clear area match. The fastest reliable next step is to confirm the current fees, dates, boundaries, and exemptions on the official council source before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action.

Check the official council source Get a written property licensing check

What still adds uncertainty

Mandatory HMO licensing can apply based on occupancy and households, which cannot be confirmed from a postcode alone.

Buying, refinancing, or completing conveyancing? A due diligence report pulls the licensing position together with the official routes so the risk is documented before you commit. This is an information service and is not legal advice.

Verify with the council

Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with Birmingham City Council.

Verify on official council licensing page Council website Report an inaccuracy

Council updates

Get updates for Birmingham City Council

We will email you if Birmingham City Council introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.

Free, occasional licensing updates only. You can unsubscribe at any time.

If you need more than the council page

This page may already answer a lot of the question. Use the paid products only if you want a quicker written summary, a more risk-focused view, or ongoing monitoring.

Property Licensing Check

£29 · Live now

A property-specific PDF licensing report with a verification email template, current scheme fees, and a £30,000 risk context block — delivered to your inbox automatically.

Continue to secure payment

Licensing Due Diligence Report

£79 · Live now

A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.

Request the report

Alerts and monitoring

£12.99/month · Coming soon

A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.

See alerts and monitoring

These are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.

Check a postcode in Birmingham City Council

Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.

Local licensing scheme records

Additional LicensingActive

Additional HMO Licensing (Citywide) 2023-2028

Citywide - all 69 wards of Birmingham. Covers approximately 12,000 HMO properties with 3 or 4 occupants. Enforcement commenced 4 September 2023.

Fee guide: £755 per property. Two-part payment: Part A £325 payable on application; Part B £430 payable before the licence is issued. No discounts for landlords owning multiple properties. Fee confirmed as accurate as of August 2024 (Kamma). No discounts available. Each property requires a separate licence at the full fee.
Discount available: No discounts available. Each property requires a separate licence at the full fee.
Designation date: 17 January 2023
Scheme period: 5 June 2023 - 4 June 2028
Typical licence term: 5 years
Coverage: Borough-wide

Research notes

Cabinet approval granted 17 January 2023 following a 10-week public consultation (4 July - 13 September 2022). No government approval was required as the scheme covers fewer than 20% of the city's total housing stock in each individual ward (citywide coverage achieved by aggregation). Scheme introduced to address nearly half of HMOs predicted to have serious safety hazards, a substantial number failing energy efficiency standards, and disproportionately high levels of antisocial behaviour and waste complaints linked to HMOs. According to the council, 69,000 rental properties combined (additional and selective) required licensing from 5 June 2023. Property types covered: Any HMO occupied by 3 or 4 people forming 2 or more households who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Also includes Section 257 HMOs: buildings converted into self-contained flats where the conversion did not comply with Building Regulations 1991 and two-thirds or more of the flats are rented out. Section 257 licences cover the building as a whole; individual flats within the building may also require separate licences. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already requiring mandatory HMO licensing (5+ occupants). Properties managed directly by an educational establishment. Properties let by a registered social landlord. Standard Housing Act 2004 exemptions (Schedule 14).

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Selective LicensingActive

Selective Licensing (25 Wards) 2023-2028

25 of Birmingham's 69 wards where the private rented sector exceeds 20% of properties and there are high levels of deprivation and/or crime. Covers an estimated 40,000-50,000 privately rented properties. Enforcement commenced 4 September 2023. Described as the largest selective licensing scheme in the UK.

Fee guide: £700 per property for up to 5 years. Two-part payment via continuous payment authority: £375 taken on application; £325 taken when the decision to grant a draft licence is made. No discounts for multiple properties. Licences are non-transferable; if a property is sold or managing agent changes, a new licence is required at full fee. No refunds if a licence is cancelled before expiry. No discounts available. Each property in a covered ward requires a separate licence at the full £700 fee, regardless of how many properties a landlord owns.
Discount available: No discounts available. Each property in a covered ward requires a separate licence at the full £700 fee, regardless of how many properties a landlord owns.
Designation date: 20 September 2022
Scheme period: 5 June 2023 - 4 June 2028
Typical licence term: Maximum 5 years from date the application is deemed 'duly made'
Coverage: Selected wards: Acocks Green, Alum Rock, Aston, Balsall Heath West, Birchfield, Bordesley Green, Bordesley and Highgate, Bournbrook and Selly Park, Edgbaston, Gravelly Hill, Handsworth, Heartlands, Holyhead, Ladywood, Lozells, North Edgbaston, Small Heath, Soho and Jewellery Quarter, South Yardley, Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath East, Sparkhill, Stockland Green, Tyseley and Hay Mills, Ward End, Yardley West and Stechford

Research notes

Largest selective licensing scheme in the UK. Government approval from DLUHC was required and granted on 20 September 2022 due to the scheme covering more than 20% of the city's total housing stock. Consultation ran 25 October 2021 to 4 January 2022 (10 weeks); over 800 responses received from landlords, residents, and businesses/organisations, with significant support from residents. Cabinet decision 1 March 2022. Enforcement started 4 September 2023, three months after the scheme came into force. As of August 2025, the council had issued £450,000 in fines to non-compliant landlords and carried out over 12,000 inspections. Scheme targets wards with PRS above 20% of housing stock plus high deprivation/crime. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date. Property types covered: All privately rented properties in the 25 designated wards not already requiring a mandatory HMO licence or additional HMO licence. Includes all single-household privately rented properties. Empty properties do not require a licence. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already licensed as an HMO (mandatory or additional). Properties managed directly by an educational establishment. Properties let by a registered social landlord (e.g. housing association). Empty properties. Full list of exemptions on UK legislation website (Schedule 14, Housing Act 2004).

Verify on official council page

Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.

Public licensing register

Councils must keep a public register of licensed properties. How easy it is to use varies a lot between councils.

Public register found: Yes
Search method: Search online
Register usability: Clear searchable register (1/5)

HMOAdditionalSelective

Appears to cover HMO, additional and selective licences - always confirm scope on the register itself.

Register notes

Two registers in operation. The new register is hosted on the MetaStreet platform at birmingham.metastreet.co.uk/public-register. The old register (hosted directly on birmingham.gov.uk) is being migrated to the new platform. The council advises checking both registers if a property is not found on the new version. The new register provides limited information on whether a property is included. Covers mandatory, additional, and selective property licences, temporary exemption notices, and interim management orders. Unlicensed properties can be reported confidentially via the council's reporting website or by emailing pl@birmingham.gov.uk.

Open the public register

The council register and official source pages should be treated as the source of truth. Our summary is a guide to help you find and use them, not a substitute for the live register. How public registers work.

Research summary

These public research signals help show how recently this page was reviewed and what still needs checking before you rely on it.

Last reviewed

27 March 2026

Research confidence

High (80/100)

Sources checked

Research notes

Successfully accessed 16 source URLs including all key council pages for selective licensing, additional HMO licensing, mandatory HMO licensing, and the public register. Consultation dates, designation dates, and scheme dates confirmed from both Birmingham Be Heard (Citizen Space) and official council news articles. Fee splits confirmed from the official 'Further information' page (selective: £375/£325) and cross-referenced against Kamma and third-party sources. Public register MetaStreet URL confirmed by search results. The mandatory HMO fee schedule document (PDF) was not directly readable but fee amounts confirmed from multiple third-party sources citing the 2022 restructure. As of extraction date (March 2026), the council's published mandatory HMO fee PDF only covers 2022-2023; current fees beyond that year are based on Kamma data (August 2024 accuracy stated).

Council contact details

Email: pl@birmingham.gov.uk
Phone: 0121 303 5070
Address: Private Rented Sector Licensing, Birmingham City Council, PO Box 18558, Birmingham B2 2DS

Important to verify

Mandatory HMO licence fees for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 (only 2022-2023 PDF available; current fee schedule not separately published on council website)
Exact mandatory HMO fee per-occupant tier breakdown beyond 3 bands (full table in PDF not accessible)
Additional HMO licensing fee for Section 257 HMOs (assumed same as standard additional licence at £755 but not explicitly confirmed)
Any recent council change that could affect the current public summary.

Supporting sources

Mandatory HMO licensing

All councils in England must operate mandatory HMO licensing. This applies to properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households, regardless of location. If your property meets these criteria, you must apply for a mandatory HMO licence from Birmingham City Council.

Not sure whether the rules apply? Use the HMO licence checker to check whether a property may need an HMO licence, then verify the current position with Birmingham City Council.

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

Citywide - all HMOs in Birmingham occupied by five or more people forming more than one household. In operation since 2006 under the Housing Act 2004.

Fee notes: New fee structure introduced 31 March 2022. Fees are split into Part A (paid on application) and Part B (paid before licence is issued). The £1,125 total (Part A: £420 + Part B: £705) applies to properties with 5 occupants. Fees scale upward with number of occupants: higher-tier properties can reach £1,215 (Part A: £470 + Part B: £745) or £1,300 (Part A: £515 + Part B: £785). The fee increase in 2022 represented up to a 225% rise from previous rates. MLAS (Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme) discount was removed in 2022. Fees are set to cover all costs of the mandatory ring-fenced licensing account. No accreditation discounts available. The MLAS discount was removed from 31 March 2022 as membership does not reduce the time spent determining applications.
Typical licence term: 5 years (standard)
Start date shown: 1 January 2006

National mandatory scheme under Housing Act 2004. Birmingham no longer accepts paper applications for HMO licences. Licences are non-transferable - if a licensed HMO is sold, the new owner must apply for a new licence. Applications should be submitted at least two months before an existing licence expires. A pre-licence inspection process was introduced from 2022/23. Property types covered: Houses in Multiple Occupation occupied by 5 or more people who form more than one household, sharing facilities such as a bathroom or kitchen. Includes shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals, properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities, and properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties listed in Schedule 14 of the Housing Act 2004. Properties subject to a temporary exemption notice. Properties subject to a Management Order. Buildings managed or controlled by a local housing authority, registered social landlord, or educational establishment.

View HMO licensing info on council website

Other compliance requirements

In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - renewed annually
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) - every 5 years
EPC rating of E or above - required before letting
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - checked at start of tenancy
Deposit protection - within 30 days of receiving deposit
Right to Rent checks - before tenancy starts

View full compliance checklist →

Common questions about licensing in Birmingham City Council

Do I need a landlord licence in Birmingham City Council?: Birmingham City Council currently operates selective licensing and additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.
How much does a property licence cost in Birmingham City Council?: Based on our current data, licence fees in Birmingham City Council are approximately: Additional HMO Licensing (Citywide) 2023-2028: £755 per property. Two-part payment: Part A £325 payable on application; Part B £430 payable before the licence is issued. No discounts for landlords owning multiple properties. Fee confirmed as accurate as of August 2024 (Kamma). No discounts available. Each property requires a separate licence at the full fee; Mandatory HMO Licensing: New fee structure introduced 31 March 2022. Fees are split into Part A (paid on application) and Part B (paid before licence is issued). The £1,125 total (Part A: £420 + Part B: £705) applies to properties with 5 occupants. Fees scale upward with number of occupants: higher-tier properties can reach £1,215 (Part A: £470 + Part B: £745) or £1,300 (Part A: £515 + Part B: £785). The fee increase in 2022 represented up to a 225% rise from previous rates. MLAS (Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme) discount was removed in 2022. Fees are set to cover all costs of the mandatory ring-fenced licensing account. No accreditation discounts available. The MLAS discount was removed from 31 March 2022 as membership does not reduce the time spent determining applications; Selective Licensing (25 Wards) 2023-2028: £700 per property for up to 5 years. Two-part payment via continuous payment authority: £375 taken on application; £325 taken when the decision to grant a draft licence is made. No discounts for multiple properties. Licences are non-transferable; if a property is sold or managing agent changes, a new licence is required at full fee. No refunds if a licence is cancelled before expiry. No discounts available. Each property in a covered ward requires a separate licence at the full £700 fee, regardless of how many properties a landlord owns. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.
Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in Birmingham City Council?: Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including Birmingham City Council. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to Birmingham City Council for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
What happens if I rent without a licence in Birmingham City Council?: Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.

Still unsure? Choose the next step that fits you

Use these routes to move from the Birmingham City Council summary into the most relevant next action for your property, role, or research task.

Landlord with a standard let→

Start with a postcode if you want a property-specific route before relying on the council summary alone.

Shared occupancy or possible HMO→

Use the HMO checker if occupier numbers, households, or room-sharing could change the answer.

Check if a property has an HMO licence→

Use this if you need to check whether a property holds an HMO licence, or find the council's public HMO register.

Investor, buyer, or conveyancer→

Use the due diligence guide if this council page is part of a purchase, refinance, or pre-letting review.

Letting agent or portfolio manager→

Preview the monitoring route if you need ongoing watchlists and recurring scheme-change visibility.

Understand selective licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader legal background on how selective licensing works alongside this council page.

Understand additional licensing rules→

Read the guide if you want the broader background on how additional HMO licensing works alongside this council page.

Need the local HMO route→

Use the additional licensing page if the real question is whether a smaller shared house needs a local licence here.

Tenant checking landlord compliance→

Use the tenant guide if you rent a property and want to check whether your landlord holds the right licence.

Important disclaimer

This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.