Shared houses in Brownhills need to satisfy Walsall Council's licensing team as well as building regulations. We plan for both from the first survey, which avoids rework later.
Our team is based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 5 miles from Brownhills. That keeps survey visits, site meetings and follow-up inspections easy to arrange.
HMO rules in Walsall Council
| Rule | Walsall Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | 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) |
| Selective licensing | None found |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | In force Whole borough, since 1 October 2025 |
Checked October 2026 against Walsall Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Walsall Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Brownhills 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. Walsall Council's additional licensing covers nine wards, including Palfrey, Paddock, Pleck, St Matthew's, Blakenall, Birchills Leamore, Darlaston South and Willenhall South, which doesn't include Brownhills, so the mandatory licence for five or more people is the main one to plan for there.
HMO fire risk assessments for Brownhills landlords
Shared houses in Brownhills need a fire risk assessment that reflects how the building is actually laid out. We assess the common parts and the escape route from every bedroom, then give you a written report with a prioritised action plan you can act on.
Councils and fire services covering the West Midlands commonly expect to see a current assessment, particularly at licence time. We review assessments for houses in Brownhills after building work or changes in occupancy, and can price any works the action plan identifies.
- Prioritised action plan with a reason for each item
- Check of fire doors, alarms and emergency lighting
- Reviews after building work, layout or occupancy changes
- Advice on the responsible person's ongoing duties
- Written fire risk assessment report for you to keep