Selective licensing
A selective licensing scheme means that all private landlords in a designated area must have a licence to rent out a privately-rented property.
Selective licensing aims to improve the private rented market. It means property must be of a decent standard for a landlord to rent out.
Selective licensing also gives tenants confidence that houses and flats in a designated area will be healthy and safe to live in.
Selective licensing in Birmingham
Following our successful application to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, we now have permission for a selective licensing scheme covering 25 of Birmingham's 69 wards.
The scheme started on 5 June 2023. Each licence costs £700 and will last for up to five years.
You only need a licence if your property is in one of the 25 wards covered by the scheme.
Exemptions to the scheme
You will not need a new selective licence if your property is:
- licensed as an HMO
- managed directly by an educational establishment
- let by a registered social landlord such as a housing association
You can find a full list of exemptions on the UK legislation website.
Check if you need an additional HMO licence.
Enforcing the new scheme
As a landlord, if you fail to obtain the necessary licenses, it can lead to severe consequences:
- you may face fines up to £30,000 through a Civil Penalty Notice (CPN) or prosecution, which could result in an unlimited fine
- your tenants could claim up to 12 months' rent back through a Rent Repayment Order (RRO)
- any section 21 eviction notices you serve would be considered invalid
Reporting an unlicensed property
If you suspect a property is operating without the proper licence, you can report this to us confidentially through our dedicated reporting website.
Apply for a selective licence
You can only apply for a selective licence through this website.
Apply for a selective licence.
If you have any problems with our online application form, email us: pl@birmingham.gov.uk
Page last updated: 28 November 2024
