Gas, electrical and alarm certificates in Northfield

Need help with HMO safety certificate in Northfield? We check the rules that apply at the address and prepare what Birmingham City Council asks for.

Whether the house in Northfield is empty, let or mid-purchase, we can start with the survey.

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Northfield sits within Birmingham City Council, which sets its own HMO standards for room sizes, kitchens and bathrooms. Our designs start from those standards, so the layout we price is designed to meet the council's licensing requirements.

We'll tell you plainly if a house in Northfield isn't suited to the number of rooms you have in mind, and what it would take to make it work.

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 Northfield 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 safety certificate service in Northfield

Landlords in Northfield need the same core certificates as anywhere in England: an annual gas safety record, an EICR at least every 5 years and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Licence conditions often add fire alarm and emergency lighting servicing to the list.

We arrange checks for HMOs in Northfield and across the West Midlands, book them before they fall due and keep every date in a compliance diary. Where a report needs remedial work, we quote for it straight away so deadlines are met.

Fire alarm and emergency lighting servicing certificates
EICRs by qualified electricians, at least every 5 years
Annual gas safety checks by Gas Safe registered engineers
Compliance diary with every due date in one place
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm checks and replacements

Gas, electrical and alarm certificates near Northfield

Longbridge 1.3 miles
Kings Norton 1.8 miles
Selly Oak 1.9 miles
Bournbrook 1.9 miles
Stirchley 2.1 miles
Bournville 2.1 miles

Gas, electrical and alarm certificates in Northfield: common questions

Do HMOs in Northfield need a fire risk assessment?

Fire safety law requires a fire risk assessment of the common parts of most HMOs, and councils commonly ask to see one with a licence application. We arrange the assessment and the works it recommends.

What happens if I let an unlicensed HMO in Northfield?

Since 1 May 2026 councils can issue civil penalties of up to £40,000, and rent repayment orders can cover up to two years' rent. If a house in Northfield needs a licence, apply as soon as possible.

How often are electrical checks needed in an HMO?

Private tenancies in England need an electrical installation condition report before the tenancy starts and at least every five years, and gas appliances need a safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months.

Do I need a licence for a three or four person HMO in Northfield?

Yes. Birmingham City Council runs additional licensing across its whole area, so a three or four person HMO in Northfield with two or more households needs a licence. Mandatory licensing covers five or more people.