Birmingham City Council has issued fines totalling £450,000 to landlords of unlicensed rental properties as it enforces one of the country’s most comprehensive property licensing schemes.

Cllr Nicky Brennan (main image), Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, says the council is encouraging landlords to act urgently and apply for relevant licences or face fines of up to £30,000 for each unlicensed property.

The enforcement action follows the introduction of a new licensing regime in June 2023, which covers selective licensing in 25 areas, additional licensing for smaller shared houses with three to four tenants, and Section 257 HMO licensing across the city.

12,000 inspections

Under the new scheme, the council has conducted over 12,000 inspections and licensed 40,000 landlords, with around one in four compliance inspections requiring landlords to take immediate action to improve conditions for tenants.

Brennan says: “The rules have been made clear, and it is the responsibility of landlords to take immediate action to avoid facing penalties. 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.”

I am pleased to say that the new licensing schemes have raised the bar for private rental housing in Birmingham.”

The council claims the licensing programme has already proved life-saving, with a routine inspection saving a family of four from carbon monoxide poisoning earlier this year.

It is also warning that the consequences of non-compliance extend beyond fines. Landlords without licences face rent repayment orders allowing tenants to reclaim up to 12 months of rent, rising to 24 months after the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law. Nor can they serve valid Section 21 notices for no-fault evictions.

Brennan adds: “I am pleased to say that the new licensing schemes have raised the bar for private rental housing in Birmingham.”

And he adds: “By enforcing stricter regulations, the council is creating a safer and more secure rental market for all residents.”