Landlord Licensing Guide (London)

Mandatory HMO licensing generally covers HMOs occupied by five or more people forming more than one household and sharing relevant facilities, subject to the statutory definition and exemptions. Do not rely on an old three-storey threshold.

Additional licensing can bring other HMOs within licensing in an area designated by the council. Selective licensing can cover other privately rented homes within a designated area, subject to exemptions. An ordinary single-household tenancy can therefore require a licence in the right area.

Use the council's address checker or scheme map, not just the postcode district or the fact that an agent calls the property an HMO. Review mandatory, additional and selective licensing separately, including commencement and expiry dates.

The official council links in this guide are starting points, not a declaration that each council currently runs all three schemes. Where a link covers one scheme, navigate to that council's other private-renting licensing guidance as well.

For every borough record: the exact address, number of people and households, shared facilities, relevant scheme and designation dates, exemptions, current fee, application evidence and licence conditions. A neighbouring borough's result cannot be copied across.

Prepare an accurate floor plan with room dimensions and uses, management and ownership details, occupancy information and the safety documentation requested by that council. Fire precautions and amenity provision must be assessed for the actual property.

Council room and amenity standards can exceed national minimum licence conditions. Do not advertise occupancy based only on a room-area calculation; the licence and the wider standards matter.

A housing licence does not establish planning permission for HMO use, a flat conversion or a change of use. Article 4 restrictions and planning history need their own review.

Buying a licensed property does not automatically transfer the licence or authorise an increased occupancy. Confirm the correct application route and whether a new owner, manager or arrangement requires further action.

Track application and renewal dates, evidence of submission, the licence decision and ongoing conditions. Do not assume every licence lasts the same period or that payment alone authorises all proposed letting arrangements.

The existing Shorplans landlord portal is linked alongside the official sources for service information. Any eligibility review still needs the exact address and intended occupation, followed by confirmation of current council requirements.