Landlords in Handsworth deal with Birmingham City Council for licensing, planning and housing standards. We keep those three in view together, so a layout that suits the licence also works for planning and building control.
Quotes list each item of work, so you can see where the money goes and compare like for like.
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 Handsworth 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.
Our HMO fire risk assessment service in Handsworth
Shared houses in Handsworth 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 Handsworth after building work or changes in occupancy, and can price any works the action plan identifies.
- Written fire risk assessment report for you to keep
- Site visit covering common parts and every escape route
- Check of fire doors, alarms and emergency lighting
- Advice on the responsible person's ongoing duties
- Reviews after building work, layout or occupancy changes
HMO fire risk assessments near Handsworth
- Smethwick 1.5 miles
- Perry Barr 1.8 miles
- Aston 2.3 miles
- West Bromwich 2.4 miles
- Great Barr 2.7 miles
- Edgbaston 3.2 miles