Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Walsall we start by measuring every room and checking Walsall Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
Work is carried out by S&K and vetted subcontractors working under S&K's supervision, so you contract with one company for the whole project.
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 Walsall 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 runs additional licensing in nine wards, including Palfrey, Paddock, Pleck, St Matthew's, Blakenall, Birchills Leamore, Darlaston South and Willenhall South, so smaller HMOs there need a licence too. We check whether the address in Walsall is covered.
HMO fire risk assessments for Walsall landlords
Shared houses in Walsall 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 Walsall after building work or changes in occupancy, and can price any works the action plan identifies.
- Reviews after building work, layout or occupancy changes
- Prioritised action plan with a reason for each item
- Written fire risk assessment report for you to keep
- Advice on the responsible person's ongoing duties
- Check of fire doors, alarms and emergency lighting
HMO fire risk assessments near Walsall
- Willenhall 2.3 miles
- Bloxwich 2.4 miles
- Darlaston 2.4 miles
- Wednesbury 2.9 miles
- Aldridge 3.1 miles
- Great Barr 3.5 miles