Click to chat with Brum Bot, our AI-powered virtual assistant. ×
Section 257 property licence | Additional licensing for HMOs | Birmingham City Council
Additional licensing for HMOs

Section 257 property licence

The rules around the licensing of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) changed on 5 June 2023.

When a Section 257 property licence is required

You need to apply for a Section 257 property licence if you operate a building that meets both of the following conditions:

  • the building has been converted into self-contained flats and does not comply with 1991 building regulations
  • two thirds or more of the flats are rented out

You do not need to apply for a 257 property licence if the whole building is only occupied by 2 people, living as 2 separate households.

The Section 257 licence is for the building. You must make a separate application if any of the self-contained flats within the building require a Selective, Additional HMO or Mandatory HMO licence.

For more information, download the section 257 Property licensing guidance.

Applying for a Section 257 Property Licence

You can apply for a new section 257 property licence online.

Each section 257 HMO property licence will cost £755.

What you need to provide with your application

  • A floor plan showing the communal areas in the building – the plan must label the usage of every room and show the location of smoke or heat detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. This plan does not need to be drawn by a professional.
  • Gas safety Certificate – if gas is supplied to the property
  • A satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) – this must cover all units in a single report or be provided as separate reports for each unit
  • A Fire Risk Assessment for the property
  • Details of interested parties, including details of any freeholders, leaseholders, mortgage providers and managing agents – all parties must be informed of your application before you submit
  • Details of each self-contained flat that is not owner occupied, including the number of occupants and the type of tenancy in the unit

Information you may be asked to provide after inspection

Following an inspection of the property, you may need to provide:

  • a fire Alarm Test Certificate.
  • emergency lighting annual check documentation, if emergency lighting is installed
  • a PAT certificate for any appliances supplied by the landlord – if the items are new, then a copy of receipts are acceptable

Help with your application

Tacit consent does not apply to this type of application.

If you have not heard from us within 28 days of submitting your application, email the property licensing team.

If you have any problems with the application form, email the property licensing team pl@birmingham.gov.uk.

Enforcing the scheme

If you do not obtain the required licence, we may take enforcement action. This can include:

  • a civil penalty notice of up to £30,000
  • prosecution – which may result in an unlimited fine and a criminal record

Reporting an unlicensed property

If you believe a property is operating without the correct licence, you can report this to us confidentially through our online reporting service.

Page last updated: 14 May 2026

Feedback button