Birmingham Building Control Checklist for Landlords

Housing and Building Standards England 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

This checklist helps landlords in Birmingham, England understand local building control expectations and practical steps to comply with building regulations and council bylaws. It summarises the typical approvals, inspections and records you should keep for rental properties, highlights enforcement pathways and explains how to apply for building regulation approval or regularise past works. Use this guide to prepare for inspections, reduce risk of enforcement action and ensure tenant safety through compliant structure, fire escape routes and safe services.

Basic compliance checklist

  • Confirm whether planned works need building regulation approval (structural changes, new or altered means of escape, new or altered drainage and certain replacement windows).
  • Submit the correct application (Full Plans, Building Notice or Regularisation) before starting work when required.
  • Book inspections at required stages and retain inspection records and completion certificates.
  • Keep plans, certificates and any engineer’s calculations on file for the duration landlords hold the property.
  • Ensure contractors are competent and provide evidence of compliance where relevant (e.g., gas, electrics, structural works).
Check works in communal areas and HMO properties for separate HMO licensing and fire-safety requirements.

Penalties & Enforcement

Birmingham City Council enforces the Building Act and building regulations through its Building Control service; enforcement can include notices, prosecutions and remedial works where necessary. For local guidance and to report suspected breaches contact the council’s Building Control team directly Birmingham City Council - Building Control[1].

  • Monetary fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page; see the council reference for enforcement approach and prosecution referrals.
  • Escalation: the council may issue remediation notices, seek injunctions or prosecute for continuing offences; exact staged fine ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices requiring remedial works, prohibition or restriction notices, seizure of unsafe materials and court orders.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Building Control (Birmingham City Council) handles inspections, enforcement and complaints via the council contact routes linked above.
    If works are urgent or dangerous, contact the council immediately using the Building Control contact route.

Applications & Forms

Common application routes are Full Plans, Building Notice and Regularisation applications; the council explains the application process and submission requirements on its building regulation application page Apply for building regulation approval[2]. Fees, exact form names and deadlines are published on the council pages; if a specific fee or form number is required it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Full Plans: submit detailed drawings and specifications for plan checking (fee: see council fees page).
  • Building Notice: for smaller works notified shortly before start; check eligibility with Building Control.
  • Regularisation: retrospective application to certify works already completed; application process and evidence requirements are on the council site.
Where fees or precise penalty amounts are not shown, the council pages note enforcement powers but do not publish fixed monetary penalties on the same page.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Unauthorised structural alterations — likely enforcement notice and requirement for plans or remedial works.
  • Alterations affecting means of escape or fire safety — immediate remedial action and possible prohibition notices.
  • No completion certificate or inspection records — may be required to regularise works or produce documentation.

Action steps for landlords

  • Before works: check whether building regulation approval is required and submit the correct application.
  • During works: book required inspections and keep records of passed inspections and any remedial orders.
  • If served an enforcement notice: read it carefully, comply within the time stated or appeal in the manner set out in the notice.

FAQ

Do I always need building regulation approval to alter a rental property?
Not always; many internal non-structural repairs are exempt, but structural changes, alterations to fire escape routes, drainage or significant replacements usually require approval or notification.
What should I keep as evidence of compliance?
Keep application documents, plans, inspection records, completion certificates and any contractor certifications for the life of the tenancy and to help with resale.
How do I report unsafe work or non-compliance by another landlord?
Report concerns to Birmingham City Council Building Control or the council’s private sector housing/enforcement team using the council contact pages in the resources section below.

How-To

  1. Identify the scope of the proposed work and check exempt/not exempt status with Building Control.
  2. Choose and submit the appropriate application (Full Plans, Building Notice or Regularisation) via the council application route.
  3. Arrange required inspections at the stages specified by Building Control and retain inspection reports.
  4. Obtain the completion certificate or regularisation certificate and keep copies for tenant and landlord records.
Begin applications well before planned start dates to avoid delays and potential enforcement risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Birmingham Building Control early for clarity on approval requirements.
  • Keep thorough records of applications, inspections and certificates.
  • Non-compliance can lead to notices, remedial orders or prosecution; specific fines are not published on the council pages cited.

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