Landlords face £1,085 bill to join enlarged Midlands HMO licensing scheme

More of Walsall’s HMO landlords face forking out for a licence when the town’s additional scheme is extended next July. 

Those in the Willenhall South, Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Bentley and Darlaston North, and Darlaston South wards will have to pay £850 if they are accredited landlords or £1,065 if unaccredited, after councillors gave it the go-ahead.

Walsall’s current scheme, introduced in 2021, already covers St Matthews, Pleck, Palfrey and Paddock wards.

A council meeting heard that its consultation had produced 83 responses, with 8 out of 10 people wanting more controls on the sector. But the majority (64%) thought the proposed fees weren’t high enough and 53% didn’t even think accredited landlords should benefit from a reduced fee.

Numerous

Councillors told of HMOs becoming more numerous in Walsall, with a rise in sub-standard properties.

Council leader Mike Bird (pictured) told the council meeting: “It is a historical fact that, where certain people had obtained licences for HMOs which they shouldn’t have had as a result, tenants have been left with sub-standard accommodation.

“The HMOs we are seeing coming forward which are now becoming more numerous will receive vigilant investigation from our officers and will have to seek the required planning permission.”

He added: “More and more people are saying enough is enough and we have to look at a cumulative impact policy for the amount of HMOs coming forward. I’m proud our licensing officers are very professional in their approach to make sure nobody falls down a hole and gets a licence when they are not eligible for one.”

Read more about HMO licensing rules.