Sandwell Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Sandwell
Sandwell currently operates additional licensing in 24 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.
Sandwell Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Sandwell? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Sandwell and how to apply for a licence.
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Not sure whether a Sandwell property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Sandwell property →What are the licensing requirements for Sandwell?
Mandatory licensing in Sandwell
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Sandwell (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 Sandwell?
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.
Sandwell operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Sandwell?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Sandwell does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027 — covering Greets Green and Lyng and West Bromwich Central.
Additional licensing: 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2029 — covering Abbey, Blackheath, Bristnall, Charlemont with Grove Vale, Cradley Heath and Old Hill, Friar Park, Great Barr with Yew Tree, Great Bridge, Greets Green and Lyng, Hateley Heath, Langley, Newton, Old Warley, Oldbury, Princes End, Rowley, Smethwick, Soho and Victoria, St Pauls, Tipton Green, Tividale, Wednesbury North, Wednesbury South and West Bromwich Central.
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 Sandwell Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Sandwell Council’s property licensing fees page for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Sandwell Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Sandwell operate?
Sandwell operates additional licensing (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Sandwell 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 Sandwell, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Sandwell property licence?
You can apply through Sandwell 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 Sandwell introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Sandwell 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 Sandwell?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Sandwell
Sandwell is a metropolitan borough in the county of West Midlands, west-central England. It comprises several urban industrial communities, including Wednesbury, West Bromwich, Cradley Heath, Smethwick, and Hamstead, historically part of Staffordshire, while Oldbury and Warley belong to Worcestershire. The borough has a rich industrial heritage dating back to the Middle Ages with metalworking and coal mining.
Sandwell’s industrial growth accelerated in the 18th century with the development of canals, fostering the establishment of ironworks such as the renowned Soho Manufactory in Smethwick. Today, Sandwell remains a significant hub for engineering and iron foundries, producing a variety of metal products, along with thriving chemicals and glassmaking industries. The borough is well-connected by two major motorways, covering an area of 33 square miles (86 square km), with a population of 308,063 as of the 2011 census.
Licensing Enforcement in Sandwell
Sandwell 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.
