Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Oldbury we start by measuring every room and checking Sandwell Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
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 Sandwell Council
| Rule | Sandwell Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | In force Whole borough, 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2029 |
| Selective licensing | None found |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | Proposed Cabinet approved an immediate borough-wide direction on 14 October 2026; not confirmed as in force when checked |
Checked October 2026 against Sandwell Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Sandwell Council's cabinet approved an immediate borough-wide Article 4 direction on 14 October 2026. We could not confirm whether it has been made, so we check with the council before any change of use. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Sandwell Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 30 September 2029), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.
How we handle HMO fire risk assessment work in Oldbury
Shared houses in Oldbury 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 Oldbury after building work or changes in occupancy, and can price any works the action plan identifies.
- Advice on the responsible person's ongoing duties
- Prioritised action plan with a reason for each item
- Site visit covering common parts and every escape route
- Reviews after building work, layout or occupancy changes
- Written fire risk assessment report for you to keep
HMO fire risk assessments near Oldbury
- West Bromwich 1.6 miles
- Rowley Regis 1.6 miles
- Smethwick 1.8 miles
- Dudley 2.8 miles
- Tipton 3 miles
- Handsworth 3.2 miles