Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In West Bromwich we start by measuring every room and checking Sandwell Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
We cover B70 and the neighbouring postcodes, with the same standards in West Bromwich as anywhere else in the West Midlands.
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.
Our HMO floor plan service in West Bromwich
Licence applications for HMOs in West Bromwich commonly need a floor plan showing room sizes, room use, fire safety features and amenities. We measure the house on site, check the format the council asks for and draw plans that match the property as it is today.
For landlords across the West Midlands, our plans also support planning applications, building control and fire risk assessments. If you have changed the layout of a house in West Bromwich, we can update existing plans before a renewal, variation or sale.
- Floor areas in square metres, with 1.5 m ceiling exclusions
- Plans supplied as PDF in your council's usual format
- On-site measurement of every room and floor
- Escape routes, final exits and shared amenities marked
- Room use and intended occupancy marked for each bedroom
HMO floor plans near West Bromwich
- Oldbury 1.6 miles
- Smethwick 1.8 miles
- Handsworth 2.4 miles
- Wednesbury 2.6 miles
- Tipton 3.2 miles
- Great Barr 3.2 miles