The council has intensified its enforcement activity, targeting suspected unlicensed rentals through increased inspections and so far these efforts have led to £450,000 in fines against landlords found in breach of licensing rules.
Under regulations introduced in June 2023, all rental properties in Birmingham must be covered by the city’s property licensing schemes, designed to improve housing standards and tenant safety.
Landlords operating without a valid property licence face significant penalties including fines and mandatory rent repayments. Through Rent Repayment Orders, tenants living in unlicensed accommodation can reclaim up to 12 months’ rent and this entitlement will double to 24 months once the Renters Reform Bill is enacted.
Licensing breaches also limit a landlord’s legal powers. Without the correct licence, they are barred from issuing Section 21 notices, effectively shielding tenants from no-fault evictions.
The City Council urges renters to verify whether their home is properly licensed by consulting the council’s publicly accessible register.
Birmingham’s property licensing scheme covers a wide range of rental types, including Selective Licensing in 25 designated areas, Additional Licensing for smaller shared homes occupied by three or more unrelated individuals, and Section 257 licensing for converted buildings with multiple flats.
These measures expand on the mandatory HMO licensing framework first introduced in 2006, strengthening oversight and housing standards across the city.
To comply, landlords must apply for the appropriate licence via the council’s official website.
Since the programme’s rollout, over 12,000 property inspections have been completed and more than 40,000 landlords have secured licences under the scheme.
Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “The rules have been made clear, and it is the responsibility of landlords to take immediate action to avoid facing penalties.
“I am pleased to say that the new licensing schemes have raised the bar for private rental housing in Birmingham, and in some cases have even proven to be life-saving.
“Currently, around one in four of our compliance inspections have required landlords to take action to improve conditions for their tenants.
“This translates to real-life issues such as dozens of properties needing urgent repairs to fix leaky roofs, mouldy bedrooms, and the absence of essential safety features like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. These improvements are crucial for ensuring tenant safety and comfort.
“By enforcing stricter regulations, the council is creating a safer and more secure rental market for all residents."