Property Licensing Check
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Council websiteLandlord licensing in Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council
West Midlands
We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.
Licensing scorecard
Enhanced coverageOur current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council.
Selective licensing
Proposed scheme notedAdditional HMO licensing
Active additionalMandatory HMO licensing
Applies across England- Source confidence
- High
- Boundary confidence
- Low
- Public register
- Download only (PDF or file) (3/5)
- Last reviewed
- 27 March 2026
- Next review due
- Not scheduled
- Sources recorded
- 11
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.
What still adds uncertainty
- At least one scheme uses street or custom-area boundaries, so a postcode match can only be approximate.
- Proposed or consultation-stage schemes are noted and could change the position before or after they start.
- 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 Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council.
Council updates
Get updates for Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council
We will email you if Walsall Metropolitan Borough 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.
Licensing Due Diligence Report
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A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.
Request the reportAlerts and monitoring
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A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.
See alerts and monitoringThese are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.
Check a postcode in Walsall Metropolitan Borough 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 - Scheme 1 (Paddock, Palfrey, Pleck, St Matthews)
Additional licensing scheme for HMOs with 3 or more tenants from more than one household located in the designated wards of Paddock, Palfrey, Pleck, and St Matthews
- HMO licence fee
- £1,170
- Fee guide
- £1,170 for non-accredited landlords, £990 for accredited landlords (fees accurate as of August 2024). Separate PDF fee schedule for 2023/24 available on council website. Accreditation discount applies for NRLA or recognised scheme members. Accreditation discount for NRLA or recognised scheme members. £70 reduction on 2nd stage fee per additional property for same landlord/manager.
- Discount available
- Accreditation discount for NRLA or recognised scheme members. £70 reduction on 2nd stage fee per additional property for same landlord/manager.
- Scheme period
- 1 September 2022 - 31 August 2027
- Typical licence term
- Up to 5 years. Shorter licences (typically 1 year) may be issued where issues are identified.
- Coverage
- See council website for boundaries
Research notes
Approved by Cabinet in October 2021. Scheme requires eight government-mandated licence conditions plus council-specific requirements including emergency lighting and appropriate fire-fighting equipment. A downloadable map and full street list of the scheme area are available on the council website. Property types covered: All HMOs with 3 or more tenants from more than one household not already subject to mandatory HMO licensing. Covers properties with 3 or 4 unrelated occupants sharing facilities (smaller than the 5+ threshold for mandatory licensing). Exemptions or exclusions: Properties with 5 or more occupants from 2+ households are covered by mandatory HMO licensing rather than this scheme. Properties qualifying for statutory exemptions under the Housing Act 2004 are excluded.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Additional LicensingActive
Additional HMO Licensing - Scheme 2 (Bentley & Darlaston North, Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Darlaston South, Willenhall South)
Additional licensing scheme for HMOs with 3 or more tenants from more than one household located in the designated wards of Bentley & Darlaston North, Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Darlaston South, and Willenhall South
- HMO licence fee
- £1,170
- Fee guide
- £1,170 for non-accredited landlords, £990 for accredited landlords (fees accurate as of August 2024). Separate PDF fee schedule for 2023/24 available on council website. Accreditation discount for NRLA or recognised scheme members. Early bird discount was available for landlords applying promptly after scheme launch. £70 reduction on 2nd stage fee per additional property for same landlord/manager.
- Discount available
- Accreditation discount for NRLA or recognised scheme members. Early bird discount was available for landlords applying promptly after scheme launch. £70 reduction on 2nd stage fee per additional property for same landlord/manager.
- Scheme period
- 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2026
- Typical licence term
- Up to 5 years (scheme runs to 30 June 2026). Shorter licences may be issued where issues are identified.
- Coverage
- See council website for boundaries
Research notes
Approved by Cabinet on 7 September 2022. The original planned operational date of 1 July 2023 was delayed. The council stated an alternative start date would be announced with more than 3 months notice to landlords. Kamma (August 2024) lists the scheme as running from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026. A downloadable map and full street list of the Scheme 2 additional licensing area are available on the council website. Property types covered: All HMOs with 3 or more tenants from more than one household not already subject to mandatory HMO licensing. Covers properties with 3 or 4 unrelated occupants sharing facilities. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties with 5 or more occupants from 2+ households are covered by mandatory HMO licensing. Properties qualifying for statutory exemptions under the Housing Act 2004 are excluded.
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 LicensingProposed
Walsall Selective Licensing Consultation - Willenhall and Walsall Town Centre (Not Implemented)
- Coverage
- Borough-wide
Research notes
Walsall Council consulted on selective licensing covering Willenhall and Walsall Town Centre areas from approximately 2017-2019. The scheme was put on hold following lobbying from the National Landlords Association (NLA) and Residential Landlords Association (RLA). The council never proceeded with selective licensing, instead focusing its efforts on additional HMO licensing schemes from 2022 onwards.
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
- Download a file (PDF or spreadsheet)
- Register usability
- Download only (PDF or file) (3/5)
Register appears to cover
HMOAdditional (unconfirmed)
Appears to cover HMO licences - always confirm scope on the register itself.
Register notes
The most recently confirmed available registers were dated 15 March 2024: Public Register of Licensed HMOs (393.08 KB PDF) and Public AL Register (244.66 KB PDF). An older register dated 9 March 2023 was previously available at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-03/Public%20Register%20of%20HMOs%20dated%209%20March%202023.pdf. The register page returned a 403 error during extraction, so the most current download links could not be confirmed.
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 (77/100)
Sources checked
11
Research notes
Core data (mandatory HMO licensing, Scheme 1 additional licensing, selective licensing not in operation, fees, contact details) confirmed from official Walsall Council website pages. Scheme 2 details confirmed from both the official council website and Kamma (third-party, August 2024). The exact launch date for Scheme 2 carries some uncertainty as the council website noted the original 1 July 2023 start date was delayed, but Kamma lists it as running from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026. Fee amounts for additional licensing (£990/£1,170) are from Kamma (August 2024) as the council's fee page did not show a separate table for 3-4 person properties. The public register page returned a 403 error so the most current download links could not be directly verified, but the register existence and March 2024 date are confirmed from search results.
Council contact details
- hmos@walsall.gov.uk
- Phone
- 01922 652171
Important to verify
- Exact actual start date of Additional Licensing Scheme 2 (original July 2023 date was delayed; actual launch date unconfirmed)
- Number of properties affected by Scheme 1 and Scheme 2
- Exact fee amounts for additional licensing Scheme 1 and Scheme 2 broken down by first-stage and second-stage payments
- Any recent council change that could affect the current public summary.
Supporting sources
- https://go.walsall.gov.uk/housing/information-landlords/houses-multiple-occupation-hmo/licensing-houses-multiple-occupation
- https://go.walsall.gov.uk/housing/information-landlords/houses-multiple-occupation-hmo/additional-hmo-licensing
- https://go.walsall.gov.uk/housing/information-landlords/houses-multiple-occupation-hmo/hmo-licensing-fees-and-other-charges
- https://go.walsall.gov.uk/housing/information-landlords/houses-multiple-occupation-hmo/definition-and-requirements-houses
- https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/landlords-urged-licence-hmos-or-face-prosecution
- https://hmolicensing.walsall.gov.uk/apply/mandatory/begin/
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 Walsall Metropolitan Borough 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 Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council.
Council-specific HMO detail we currently show
Borough-wide mandatory HMO licensing for all properties with 5 or more persons from more than one household sharing amenities, as required by national legislation
- Fee notes
- Fees effective from 1 April 2023. Two-stage payment structure. Lowest fee is £990 (accredited, 5-6 persons); highest standard fee is £3,140 (non-accredited, 30 persons) plus £80 per additional person above 30. Accreditation discount for NRLA or recognised scheme members. £70 reduction on 2nd stage fee per additional property for same landlord/manager.
- Typical licence term
- Up to 5 years. A 1-year licence may be issued where the application follows a council investigation, where correct planning permission has not been obtained, or where the council believes the property should have been previously licensed.
Required documents include: valid gas safety certificate, electrical installation report, fire detection/alarm certification, emergency lighting certificate, Energy Performance Certificate rated at least E, and property plans. Property types covered: Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) occupied by 5 or more tenants from more than one household. Includes shared houses, bedsit accommodation, and mixed self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation meeting the threshold. Exemptions or exclusions: Private registered providers of social housing are exempt from HMO licensing requirements. Properties below the 5+ occupant threshold may still require a licence under additional licensing if located in a designated ward.
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
Common questions about licensing in Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council
- Do I need a landlord licence in Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council?
- Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council currently operates 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 Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council?
- Based on our current data, licence fees in Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council are approximately: Additional HMO Licensing - Scheme 1 (Paddock, Palfrey, Pleck, St Matthews): £1,170; Additional HMO Licensing - Scheme 2 (Bentley & Darlaston North, Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Darlaston South, Willenhall South): £1,170; Mandatory HMO Licensing: Fees effective from 1 April 2023. Two-stage payment structure. Lowest fee is £990 (accredited, 5-6 persons); highest standard fee is £3,140 (non-accredited, 30 persons) plus £80 per additional person above 30. Accreditation discount for NRLA or recognised scheme members. £70 reduction on 2nd stage fee per additional property for same landlord/manager. 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 Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council?
- Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
- What happens if I rent without a licence in Walsall Metropolitan Borough 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 Walsall Metropolitan Borough 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 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.