Walsall Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Walsall
Walsall currently operates additional licensing in 9 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Walsall Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Walsall? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Walsall and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Walsall?
Mandatory licensing in Walsall
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Walsall (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Walsall?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Walsall operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Walsall?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Walsall does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2027 — covering Paddock, Palfrey, Pleck and St Matthew’s.
Additional licensing: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028 — covering Bentley and Darlaston North, Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Darlaston South and Willenhall South.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Walsall Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Walsall Council operates a single HMO fee schedule, banded by the number of persons and paid in two stages:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| HMO (5–6 persons, first application) | £1,240 total (£930 Stage 1 + £310 Stage 2); £990 for accredited landlords. |
| HMO (7–8 persons) | £1,510 (£1,135 + £375); £1,265 accredited. Add £80 per person over 8. |
Renewals and multi-HMO reductions apply. Fees are set by the council and can change — check Walsall Council’s HMO fees page for the full schedule.
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Walsall Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Walsall operate?
Walsall operates additional licensing (1 September 2022 to 31 August 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Walsall need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Walsall, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Walsall property licence?
You can apply through Walsall Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Walsall introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Walsall introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Walsall?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Walsall
Walsall, located in the West Midlands of England, historically part of Staffordshire, is a metropolitan borough known for its industrial heritage. Positioned between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, Walsall has been a centre for metal processing since the 14th century, leveraging local coal, iron ore, and limestone. By the 17th century, it was notable for saddlery, nail, and iron manufacturing. Industrial development peaked in the 19th century with improved transport. Today, it remains an industrial hub, with Willenhall specialising in locks and keys and Darlaston in nuts and bolts. Despite past mining activities, Aldridge and Brownhills maintain a residential character, while the eastern borough features woods and farmland. Covering 41 square miles (106 square km), Walsall’s population grew from 253,499 in 2001 to 269,323 in 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Walsall
Walsall Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
