Additional HMO licence scheme
The new scheme requires landlords of shared properties with fewer than five residents from two or more households to meet new licensing conditions covering safety, property standards, and effective management.
Boroughwide licensing gives us the power to hold landlords accountable, protect tenants from poor housing conditions, and safeguard our neighbourhoods from ASB.
Applications opened on Wednesday 20 May, with full compliance required by Sunday 23 August.
Safe living standards are a fundamental right for every resident. The vast majority of professional landlords who provide decent, much-needed homes have nothing to fear from these measures. However, the message should be heard, we will step in where residents are being let down and will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect our communities.
The application process is the same for both Mandatory and Additional licensing of HMOs.
Downloadable documents
- Public Notice for additional Licensing of HMOs
- Notice of designation of an area for additional licensing
Apply online
What to expect
- Create an account and complete the online application form.
- Provide details about the property, the licence holder/manager and how the HMO is managed.
- Upload supporting evidence to demonstrate that the property meets licensing standards and conditions.
- Pay the licence fee and submit your application.
We aim to process applications promptly. You must apply by Sunday 23 August 2026. From Monday 24 August 2026, non applicant or non-compliant HMOs may be subject to enforcement action.
The council already operates a mandatory licensing scheme for large HMOs if your property:
- has 5 or more unrelated people living in it
- has 2 or more separate households living there.