Updated 18 October 2026. This guidance replaces the original 2025 article’s unsupported ward lists, estimated licence fees and outdated possession advice. Licensing depends on the exact property, occupancy and council designation.

Check which licensing rules apply

In England, mandatory HMO licensing generally covers homes occupied by at least five people from two or more households who share facilities. Additional licensing can cover other HMOs in a council’s designated area. Selective licensing can cover other private rented homes within a designation, subject to exemptions. Planning permission and building regulations are separate checks.

Wolverhampton

The council’s current guidance distinguishes mandatory licensing for qualifying HMOs with five or more occupiers from non-licensable HMOs with three or four occupiers. Do not rely on this article’s former claims about additional licensing across most of the city or named selective-licensing zones. Check the exact address and proposed use with the council.

Wolverhampton Council: current HMO requirements, fees and application. Its page lists separate application and licence-operation fees; use those published charges rather than the former estimates here.

Other West Midlands councils

For Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley and neighbouring areas, check the relevant council’s current licensing map, designation dates, exemptions and fee schedule before committing to a letting. A consultation does not by itself create a licensing duty. Do not assume a nearby property has the same requirements.

Use the government HMO licence service to find the relevant local authority.

Applying and remaining compliant

Confirm who will hold the licence, prepare the documents required by the council, and submit the correct application and fee. Keep evidence of submission and check the eventual licence conditions, authorised occupancy and renewal date. Safety and management obligations can apply even where a property does not need a licence.

Enforcement and possession

Letting without a required licence can lead to prosecution or a civil penalty and, where the statutory conditions apply, a rent repayment order. Penalty and repayment rules depend on the offence and its dates. Do not rely on the old £30,000 and 12-month figures in the original article. New Section 21 notices are no longer available for private assured tenancies in England. Take advice on the applicable possession ground and licensing restrictions.

Government guidance on the Renters’ Rights Act reforms.

How we can help

Fleming Lettings can help identify the checks needed for your property and point you to the council’s current requirements. Confirm the licensing position with the council before letting or changing occupancy.