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 a maximum of 5 years.
You only need a licence if your property is in one of the 25 wards covered by the scheme.
Check if your ward is 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 scheme
As a landlord, if you fail to obtain the necessary licences, it can lead to severe legal and financial consequences:
- you may be fined with a civil penalty notice (CPN) up to £40,000
- you may face criminal prosecution which can lead to an unlimited fine
- your tenants are entitled to seek repayment of rent through a rent repayment order (RPO)
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: 13 May 2026
