HMO licensing in Birmingham

Which licences a rented house needs in Birmingham, and where. England. Checked 7 September 2026.

Birmingham runs additional licensing and selective licensing on top of mandatory licensing.

Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Extends HMO licensing to smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) in a designated area.

StatusIn forceWherewhole cityDesignated5 June 2023Ends4 June 2028

Citywide additional licensing for HMOs of 3 or 4 occupants in 2 or more households since 5 June 2023 (council page updated 14 May 2026). End date derived from the 5-year term, not stated on page. Fee £755.

Selective licensing

Every privately rented home in a designated area needs a licence, HMO or not.

StatusIn forceWhere25 of 69 wardsDesignated5 June 2023Ends4 June 2028

Selective licensing in 25 wards from 5 June 2023, licence £700, max 5 years (council page updated 18 June 2026). End date derived. HMO-licensed properties exempt.

Council HMO page · HMO Article 4 in Birmingham

Check an exact postcode for Article 4

Is a postcode inside an HMO Article 4 area?

See this on every listing.Kerbio puts the Article 4 answer, licensing, the council's HMO register and sold prices on the Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket page itself. Free for 7 days, then £39 a month.

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Sources: Birmingham council, gov.uk HMO licensing. Schemes change; confirm with the council before you offer.