Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | 25 of Birmingham's 69 wards: Acocks Green, Alum Rock, Aston, Balsall Heath West, Birchfield, Bordesley Green, Bordesley & Highgate, Bournbrook & Selly Park, Edgbaston, Gravelly Hill, Handsworth, Heartlands, Holyhead, Ladywood, Lozells, North Edgbaston, Small Heath, Soho & Jewellery Quarter, South Yardley, Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath, Sparkhill, Stockland Green, Tyseley & Hay Mills, Ward End, Yardley West & Stechford | 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028 | £700 per licence (£375 on application, £325 when the draft licence is granted) |
| Additional HMO licensing | Whole city (all 69 wards) | 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028 | £755 per licence |
Check your street on the council map →
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- A smaller HMO inside an additional licensing area: yes, additional licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Birmingham City Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £700 per licence (£375 on application, £325 when the draft licence is granted); Additional HMO licensing £755 per licence.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Birmingham states that landlords who fail to obtain the necessary licence may receive a civil penalty notice of up to £40,000 or face prosecution with an unlimited fine, and tenants can seek repayment of rent through a rent repayment order.
What else to know about Birmingham City Council
- Birmingham's selective licence fee of £700 applies to every property: there is no multi-property discount, so ten properties need ten licences.
- Selective licences are not transferable; a new owner, or a new managing agent who holds the licence, must apply and pay the full fee again.
- Selective licences last up to five years from the date the application is 'duly made', and no refund is given if a licence is cancelled early.
- There is no tacit consent: if you have not heard back within 28 days of applying, the council asks you to email pl@birmingham.gov.uk.
- In August 2025 the council reported over 12,000 inspections, 40,000 landlords licensed and £450,000 in fines across its licensing schemes.
- Section 257 HMOs (converted flats that do not meet the 1991 Building Regulations where two-thirds or more of the flats are rented) may need their own additional licence.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Birmingham City Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: 25 of Birmingham's 69 wards: Acocks Green, Alum Rock, Aston, Balsall Heath West, Birchfield, Bordesley Green, Bordesley & Highgate, Bournbrook & Selly Park, Edgbaston, Gravelly Hill, Handsworth, Heartlands, Holyhead, Ladywood, Lozells, North Edgbaston, Small Heath, Soho & Jewellery Quarter, South Yardley, Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath, Sparkhill, Stockland Green, Tyseley & Hay Mills, Ward End, Yardley West & Stechford. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Birmingham City Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: Whole city (all 69 wards).
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://birmingham.metastreet.co.uk/