HMO projects in Smethwick are shaped by the rules of Sandwell Council. Before we price anything, we check whether the address falls within an additional licensing scheme or an Article 4 direction, because both change what the house needs and how long it takes.
Our team is based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 5 miles from Smethwick. That keeps survey visits, site meetings and follow-up inspections easy to arrange.
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 licence application service in Smethwick
Licensing rules for shared houses in Smethwick depend on the exact address. Mandatory licensing applies to every HMO with 5 or more occupiers, but additional or selective schemes can bring smaller houses into licensing too. We check which applies before preparing anything, so the application matches the scheme.
For landlords in Smethwick and across the West Midlands, we prepare the floor plan, collect the certificates and complete the council's form. We follow the application through to a decision, help with any draft conditions and keep a note of the renewal date.
- Measured floor plan in the council's usual format
- Council application form completed and checked
- Check of mandatory, additional and selective licensing at the address
- Licence holder, manager and fit and proper details prepared
- Help with draft conditions, renewals and variations
HMO licence applications near Smethwick
- Handsworth 1.5 miles
- West Bromwich 1.8 miles
- Oldbury 1.8 miles
- Harborne 2.7 miles
- Rowley Regis 3.1 miles
- Edgbaston 3.2 miles