Shared houses in Tipton need to satisfy Sandwell Council's licensing team as well as building regulations. We plan for both from the first survey, which avoids rework later.
Our team is based in Great Barr, Birmingham, about 7 miles from Tipton. 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.
Large HMO conversions in Tipton: what we do
For larger houses and buildings in Tipton, we assess whether an HMO for seven or more people is realistic before any design money is spent. That means checking local planning policy, the structure, the escape routes and how many kitchens and bathrooms the occupancy would need.
If the scheme works, we prepare the planning drawings, agree the fire strategy with building control and build floor by floor. It suits bigger properties in Tipton and across the West Midlands where a six-bedroom layout would leave usable space empty.
- Kitchens and bathrooms sized to council amenity standards
- Planning drawings and room schedule for the application
- Fire strategy agreed with building control at the start
- Handover file prepared for the mandatory licence
- Floor-by-floor build programme with building control inspections