Birmingham selective licensing explained

What it is

Birmingham City Council's selective licensing scheme started on 5 June 2023. It requires most privately rented homes in 25 of the city's 69 wards to hold a licence. It is a five-year scheme.

Key facts

• The licence fee is £700 per property, and a licence can last up to five years.
• Homes already licensed as an HMO, homes managed by educational establishments and registered social landlord lets are exempt.
• Letting a property that needs a licence without one can lead to a civil penalty of up to £30,000 or prosecution with an unlimited fine.
• Tenants can also apply for a rent repayment order of up to 12 months' rent.

Shared houses (HMOs)

Separately, Birmingham's additional licensing scheme covers smaller HMOs city-wide: homes shared by 3 or 4 people from two or more households who share facilities. The fee is £755. Larger HMOs with 5 or more occupants need a mandatory HMO licence.

How to apply

Applications are made online through Birmingham City Council. Check your postcode with our free checker, or ask us and we'll confirm whether your property needs a licence and handle the application for you.