Landlord guide for Birmingham

Landlord licensing and compliance reference for Birmingham (Birmingham City Council, West Midlands; population ~1.15 million).

Licensing position

Birmingham runs selective licensing in 25 designated wards and a city-wide approach to mandatory and additional HMO licensing.

• Selective licensing covers 25 wards (renewed 2023-2028) including parts of Aston, Lozells, Sparkbrook, Small Heath.
• Mandatory HMO licensing applies to all 5+ person HMOs.
• Article 4 Direction restricts converting family homes into HMOs without planning permission in named areas.
• Fines for unlicensed letting in Birmingham have reached £30,000 per offence.

Local notes

• Birmingham Clean Air Zone covers the city centre — affects trades visits via daily charge.
• Large student population (~80,000) drives HMO demand in Selly Oak, Edgbaston.

Indicative Birmingham PRS rent (2025) ~£1,050/month for a 2-bed.

Council licensing page: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20175/private_housing/2822/privately_rented_property_licensing

Reference data only — always confirm the current scheme on the council's own page.