Birmingham City Council has issued £450,000 in fines to landlords operating without the correct property licences as part of one of the country’s most wide-ranging rental enforcement drives.
The council launched its licensing programme in June 2023 to raise standards across the city’s rental market.
More than 12,000 inspections have since been carried out and around 40,000 landlords licensed.
The scheme covers Selective Licensing in 25 areas, Additional Licensing for smaller shared houses, and Section 257 HMO licensing, building on the mandatory HMO regime in place since 2006.
SAFETY FAILINGS
Officials said inspections have already identified widespread safety failings, including missing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
In one case earlier this year, a routine visit saved the lives of a family of four after inspectors uncovered a carbon monoxide hazard.
Landlords who fail to comply face fines of up to £30,000 per unlicensed property. They can also be required to return up to 12 months’ rent to tenants under Rent Repayment Orders, with the period due to rise to 24 months once the Renters Reform Bill becomes law.
In addition, landlords without the correct licence cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice to evict tenants.
RULES ARE CLEAR
Cllr Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, says: “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.”
REAL-LIFE ISSUES
She adds: “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.”
The council is continuing to visit properties it suspects may be unlicensed and is urging landlords to register or risk penalties.
