Council licensing in the West Midlands
Licensing across the West Midlands.
Compare council schemes across the West Midlands, then check a postcode to see what applies to your home.
We researched all 30 councils in the West Midlands from council sources on 14 October 2026. Councils in the rest of England
Landlords here must join the landlord register between 15 December 2026 and 14 March 2027. These dates are planned. About the register
Check an address
West Midlands licensing at a glance
- Selective licensing in some areas2
- Additional HMO licensing5
- New scheme approved or proposed3
- National rules only20
West Midlands councils14 Oct 2026ONS boundaries
Select a researched council to see its wards, schemes and exemptions. Boundaries from ONS.
If your council has designated an additional HMO licensing area or a selective licensing area covering your property, you must hold a licence for it. Schemes, areas, fees and conditions vary by council. Read the rule
Compare the councils
| Council | Selective licensing | Additional HMO licensing | Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Checked 14 Oct 2026 | 25 wards | Yes, whole council area | None open |
| Bromsgrove Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Cannock Chase Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Coventry Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | Yes, whole council area | None open |
| Dudley Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| East Staffordshire Checked 14 Oct 2026 | Part of the council area Approved, part of the council area from 1 January 2027 | No | None open |
| Herefordshire Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Lichfield Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Malvern Hills Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Newcastle-under-Lyme Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| North Warwickshire Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Nuneaton and Bedworth Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None Proposed, part of the council area | No Proposed, part of the council area | None open |
| Redditch Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Rugby Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Sandwell Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | Yes, whole council area | None open |
| Shropshire Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Solihull Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| South Staffordshire Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Stafford Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Staffordshire Moorlands Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Stoke-on-Trent Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No Proposed, whole council area | None open |
| Stratford-on-Avon Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Tamworth Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No Proposed, part of the council area | Awaiting decision |
| Telford and Wrekin Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Walsall Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | Yes, 4 wards | None open |
| Warwick Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | Yes, whole council area | None open |
| Wolverhampton Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Worcester Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | Yes, whole council area | None open |
| Wychavon Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
| Wyre Forest Checked 14 Oct 2026 | None | No | None open |
Columns show schemes in force now. Approved and proposed schemes appear underneath. An HMO occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households must be licensed by the council, anywhere in England. Read the rule