HMO compliance audits in Great Barr

Midlands HMO supports HMO landlords in Great Barr with HMO compliance audit, from measured plans and certificates to the works that close any gaps.

Tell us about the property in Great Barr and we'll arrange a free survey at a time that suits you.

Designed around Birmingham City Council's HMO standards

One team for build, compliance and lettings

Quotes itemised so you can compare

Ask about a house in Great Barr

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

If the property is in Great Barr, the council that matters is Birmingham City Council. We look up its current schemes for the address, note any conditions it usually attaches, and plan the work to suit.

We can keep a photographic record of each stage, which is useful evidence when the council inspects or a buyer's surveyor asks questions later.

HMO rules in Birmingham City Council

Rule	Birmingham City Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)	In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensing	In force Whole city, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Selective licensing	In part of the area 25 of the city's 69 wards, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Article 4 direction for small HMOs	In force Whole city, in force since 8 June 2020

Checked October 2026 against Birmingham City Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.

Birmingham City Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Great Barr into a small HMO needs planning permission. We check the planning history of the address as part of any licence work. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Birmingham City Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 4 June 2028), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.

How we handle HMO compliance audit work in Great Barr

An audit of an HMO in Great Barr 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 Great Barr 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
Licence conditions checked against the house as it is
Written report with a prioritised, photographed fix list
Certificates and tenancy paperwork checked for gaps and dates

HMO compliance audits near Great Barr

Kingstanding 2 miles
Perry Barr 2.5 miles
Handsworth 2.7 miles
West Bromwich 3.2 miles
Walsall 3.5 miles
Aston 3.5 miles

Questions about HMO compliance audit in Great Barr

How long does an HMO licence last?

A licence can last up to five years. Birmingham City Council may grant a shorter licence, for example where it has concerns about the property or the management.

Do HMOs in Great Barr need a fire risk assessment?

Fire safety law requires a fire risk assessment of the common parts of most HMOs, and councils commonly ask to see one with a licence application. We arrange the assessment and the works it recommends.

Do I need a licence for a three or four person HMO in Great Barr?

Yes. Birmingham City Council runs additional licensing across its whole area, so a three or four person HMO in Great Barr with two or more households needs a licence. Mandatory licensing covers five or more people.

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Great Barr?

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 Great Barr needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.