Birmingham City Council is urging landlords to act fast and apply for the correct property licence—or risk fines of up to £30,000 for every unlicensed home.
The council has already issued fines totalling £450,000 after inspections uncovered rule breaches. Officers are carrying out visits across the city to identify landlords who fail to comply.
The licensing programme, launched in June 2023, is one of the biggest in the country and aims to improve safety and living standards in rented homes. Inspections have already highlighted serious issues, including missing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Earlier this year, one inspection saved a family of four from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Unlicensed landlords not only face heavy fines but could also be ordered to pay back rent to tenants through Rent Repayment Orders. At present, tenants can claim up to 12 months’ rent, rising to 24 months once the Renter Reform Bill becomes law.
Tenants also benefit from added protection, as landlords without a licence cannot legally issue Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices.
The scheme includes Selective Licensing in 25 areas, Additional Licensing for smaller shared houses, and Section 257 HMO licensing. These rules build on HMO licensing, which has been in place since 2006. So far, more than 12,000 inspections have taken place and 40,000 landlords have been licensed.
Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said the scheme is already making a big difference:
“The rules are clear, and landlords must act immediately to avoid penalties. These licences are not just red tape—they are protecting lives. Inspections have uncovered unsafe homes, from missing fire alarms to dangerous levels of damp and mould. By enforcing these rules, we are creating safer, healthier housing for Birmingham residents.”
Tenants can check if their property is licensed by using the council’s online register. Landlords can apply for the relevant licence through the council’s website.