Birmingham Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Birmingham? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Birmingham 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 Birmingham?
Mandatory licensing in Birmingham
Mandatory licensing is required in Birmingham if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form 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 licence in Birmingham?
Additional licensing measures mean that smaller HMO’s with three or more people forming more than one household must obtain a licence. These are implemented at the local council’s discretion.
Birmingham council currently operates one additional licensing covering the entire region. It runs from the 5th of June 2023 until the 4th of June 2028.
Do I need a selective licence in Birmingham?
Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties, in a given area designated by the council, must obtain a licence regardless of the number of occupants and households formed.
Birmingham council operates one selective licensing scheme running from 5th June 2023 until 4th June 2028. The wards covered are as follows:
- Acocks Green
- Alum Rock
- Aston
- Balsall Heath West
- Birchfield
- Bordesley & Highgate
- Bordesley Green
- Bournbrook & Selly Park
- Edgbaston
- Gravelly Hill
- Handsworth
- Heartlands
- Holyhead
- Ladywood
- Lozells
- North Edgbaston
- Small Heath
- Soho & Jewellery Quarter
- South Yardley
- Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath East
- Sparkhill
- Stockland Green
- Tyseley & Hay Mills
- Ward End
- Yardley West & Stechford
How do I apply for a licence?
Birmingham Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Birmingham. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory licensing fee: £1,125
Additional licensing: £755
Selective licensing: £700
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of August 2024.
Get instant access to compliance reports across all properties
Kamma uses data-driven technology to help landlords and lettings agents deal with complex licensing compliance effortlessly. Find out how Kamma’s software can keep you compliant across your portfolio.
- Clear actionable advice for every property in your portfolio
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- Access property licensing experts to manage the licensing application on your behalf
What happens if I don't get a licence in Birmingham?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Birmingham Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Birmingham City council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Birmingham City Council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes.
Why has additional licensing in Birmingham been introduced?
Birmingham City Council introduced the additional licensing scheme to address significant issues in the city’s Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). With nearly half of the HMOs predicted to have serious safety hazards and a substantial number failing to meet energy efficiency standards, the scheme targets improving property conditions. Additionally, the high volume of complaints related to antisocial behaviour and waste management linked to HMOs, which represent a disproportionate share of these problems despite being a small percentage of all dwellings, further justified the need for stricter regulation
Why has selective licensing in Birmingham been introduced?
Birmingham City Council introduced selective licensing in response to significant issues in certain wards, characterised by high levels of private renting, deprivation, and crime. The data showed that in the 25 proposed wards, the proportion of privately rented homes exceeded the national average of 19%, with many areas also ranking higher in deprivation and crime than the city and national averages. For instance, Birmingham’s average deprivation rank is 7,752, compared to the national average of 16,422, highlighting the concentrated deprivation in these areas. Additionally, the crime rate in Birmingham was also above the national average, with the city’s crime ranking at 203.7 compared to the national figure of 179.41. These statistics justified the introduction of selective licensing to improve living conditions, reduce crime, and tackle deprivation
What are the conditions for obtaining a HMO licence in Birmingham?
To obtain an HMO licence in Birmingham, properties must meet specific standards, including minimum room sizes of 7.5 square metres for single rooms and 11.5 square metres for double rooms. Adequate fire safety measures, such as alarms and fire doors, are required, along with proper communal spaces. Landlords also need to pass a “fit and proper person” test to ensure responsible property management
