Letting in Sandwell: the rules and the numbers

What applies to rented homes in Sandwell, in one place: the licensing schemes and where they run, planning limits on house shares, what housing allowance pays, typical rents, and how local homes rate on energy. Every figure shows its source and date. For one property, enter its address above.

Last checked: 26 September 2026

Licences

Selective licensing: Not here
Additional licensing: Applies here
Article 4 on house shares: Not here

Additional licensing - house shares here need a licence from the council, until 30 September 2029.

Read the additional licensing scheme

Anywhere in England, a house share of 5 or more people from more than one household needs a licence from the council - an HMO licence.

Source: Sandwell Council, checked 26 September 2026

Housing allowance

Housing allowance is the most that benefits pay towards a tenant's rent each month.

In the Birmingham area: £341.58 for a room in a house share, £695.00 for a 1-bedroom home, £750.00 for a 2-bedroom home, £825.00 for a 3-bedroom home, £1,100.00 for a 4-bedroom home.
In the Black Country area: £320.00 for a room in a house share, £495.00 for a 1-bedroom home, £625.00 for a 2-bedroom home, £750.00 for a 3-bedroom home, £925.00 for a 4-bedroom home.

Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Local Housing Allowance rates from 1 April 2026

Rents

The average rent here is £953 a month, up 8.0% on a year before.

1 bedroom: Average rent £680; Housing allowance £695.00 Birmingham; Housing allowance £495.00 Black Country
2 bedrooms: Average rent £851; Housing allowance £750.00 Birmingham; Housing allowance £625.00 Black Country
3 bedrooms: Average rent £1,014; Housing allowance £825.00 Birmingham; Housing allowance £750.00 Black Country
4 or more bedrooms: Average rent £1,405; Housing allowance £1,100.00 Birmingham; Housing allowance £925.00 Black Country

Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Local Housing Allowance rates from 1 April 2026

1 bedroom: £680 a month
2 bedrooms: £851 a month
3 bedrooms: £1,014 a month
4 or more bedrooms: £1,405 a month

Source: Office for National Statistics private rents, August 2026 (provisional - it may still be revised)

Energy ratings

48% of local homes with an energy certificate are rated C or better.

Source: Office for National Statistics, energy certificates up to March 2025