HMO compliance audits in the West Midlands

We carry out HMO compliance audit work throughout the West Midlands, with each job checked against the local council's licensing and planning rules.

HMO rules in the West Midlands vary council by council, so we check the right one for your address before quoting.

Free survey and fixed written quote

One team for build, compliance and lettings

Designed around the local council's HMO standards

Ask about a house in the West Midlands

Tell us about the property. We reply within one working day.

Our work in the West Midlands ranges from single conversions for first-time landlords to multi-house programmes for investors, all priced in writing before work starts.

Licensing and planning for HMOs in the West Midlands is handled by the district, borough, city or unitary councils, not one county-wide body. That's why the same house can need different paperwork depending on which side of a council boundary it sits.

HMO rules across the West Midlands' councils

Council	Additional licensing	Selective licensing	Article 4 (small HMOs)
Birmingham City Council	In force Whole city, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028	In part of the area 25 of the city's 69 wards, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028	In force Whole city, in force since 8 June 2020
Coventry City Council	In force Whole city, 4 May 2025 to 3 May 2030	None found	In part of the area 11 wards, including Earlsdon, Foleshill, Lower and Upper Stoke, Radford, St Michael's and Westwood, since 30 September 2023
Dudley Council	Not confirmed	Not confirmed	In force Whole borough, since 15 September 2023
Sandwell Council	In force Whole borough, 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2029	None found	Proposed Cabinet approved an immediate borough-wide direction on 14 October 2026; not confirmed as in force when checked
Solihull Council	Not confirmed	Not confirmed	Proposed The council is exploring a direction for smaller HMOs; none in force when checked
Walsall Council	In part of the area Nine wards: Palfrey, Paddock, Pleck and St Matthew's (to 31 August 2027), and Bentley and Darlaston North, Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Darlaston South and Willenhall South (to 30 June 2028)	None found	In force Whole borough, since 1 October 2025
City of Wolverhampton Council	Proposed The council is preparing a consultation on a scheme for smaller HMOs	Proposed The council is preparing a consultation on a scheme for designated areas	In force Whole city, since 14 September 2017

Checked October 2026. Mandatory licensing for five or more people applies in every council. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for the address before work starts.

Councils in the West Midlands where we found an Article 4 direction for small HMOs in force, in all or part of their area: Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, Dudley Council, Walsall Council, City of Wolverhampton Council. Article 4 directions are due to start or proposed in: Sandwell Council, Solihull Council. Additional licensing applies in all or part of: Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, Sandwell Council, Walsall Council.

How we handle HMO compliance audit work in the West Midlands

An audit of an HMO in the West Midlands checks the house the way a licensing officer would: room sizes, fire safety, amenities, certificates and paperwork. You get a written, prioritised fix list, so you know what needs doing before an inspection, renewal or purchase.

Councils across the West Midlands set their own HMO standards on top of the national rules. Our audits of houses in the West Midlands check against both, and we can quote for any work the report identifies once you have read it.

Management Regulations 2006 duties checked on site
Every bedroom measured, including the 1.5 m ceiling rule
Certificates and tenancy paperwork checked for gaps and dates
Fire precautions and fire risk assessment reviewed
Written report with a prioritised, photographed fix list

Towns we cover in the West Midlands

Questions about HMO compliance audit in the West Midlands

Who issues HMO licences in the West Midlands?

the local council is the licensing authority for the West Midlands. We prepare the application and supporting documents, and the council decides whether to grant the licence and on what conditions.

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in the West Midlands?

Since 1 May 2026 councils can issue civil penalties of up to £40,000, and rent repayment orders can cover up to two years' rent. If a house in the West Midlands needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.

How often are electrical checks needed in an HMO?

Private tenancies in England need an electrical installation condition report before the tenancy starts and at least every five years, and gas appliances need a safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months.

What documents does the local council ask for with an HMO licence?

Councils usually ask for floor plans showing room sizes and fire safety features, gas and electrical safety certificates, and fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates. We check the local council's current list for your application.