West Midlands (met county) · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Dudley

✓ Hand-verified 20 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Dudley does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.

Mandatory HMO licenceRequired

Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.

Licence feeNot established

Dudley sets this fee under section 63(3) of the Housing Act 2004. Its current charge is not yet recorded here.

The council’s own licensing page carries the charge that applies today — confirm it there before you budget.

Not established is not the same as free.

Selective licensingNot in force

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council presents mandatory HMO licensing as the only licensing regime it operates. Its private housing pages describe the mandatory scheme and make no reference to any selective designation under s.80 of the Housing Act 2004. Dudley made an Article 4 Direction on 15 September 2023; that is a PLANNING control removing permitted development rights for small HMO conversions and is not a licensing designation. It is recorded here only as an HMO-pressure signal and must never be presented as licensing. Distinguished from Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham, all of which do operate discretionary schemes. Established 20 Aug 2026 from dudley.gov.uk.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council presents mandatory HMO licensing as the only licensing regime it operates, with no s.56 additional designation on its private housing pages. Its Article 4 Direction of 15 September 2023 is planning control, not licensing. Established 20 Aug 2026 from dudley.gov.uk.

Common questions

Does Dudley have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Dudley does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Does Dudley have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Dudley does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Do I need an HMO licence in Dudley?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Dudley, where a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households who share basic amenities. Smaller shared houses may also need a licence where an additional licensing scheme applies.

Check your own propertyUnderstanding licensing

All property licensing in West Midlands (met county)

Source: Dudley licensing page →

Every landlord in Dudley also needs

A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, smoke & CO alarms, the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, and a current How to Rent guide — plus the new Section 8 possession rules since Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026.

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Landlord HQ uses AI to analyse legislation and tenancy agreements. While we work hard to ensure accuracy, AI can make mistakes. Always verify compliance requirements with a qualified solicitor. Landlord HQ is an information tool, not legal advice.

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