London HMO Licensing Compliance Checklist
Essential checklist for London HMO landlords covering mandatory and additional licensing, borough-specific requirements, and safety compliance.
London has some of the UK's strictest HMO licensing requirements with 32 different borough schemes. This checklist ensures compliance with mandatory, additional, and selective licensing.
Licensing Requirements
Verify if property requires mandatory HMO license
Properties with 5+ people in 2+ households need mandatory license
Check borough additional licensing schemes
Many London boroughs require licenses for smaller HMOs (3-4 people)
Verify if area has selective licensing
Some wards require licenses for all rental properties, not just HMOs
Property Standards
Verify all rooms meet minimum size requirements
6.51m² for single occupancy, 10.22m² for double occupancy
Check bathroom and kitchen ratios
Typically 1 bathroom per 5 occupants, adequate kitchen facilities
Install London-compliant fire safety equipment
Fire doors, alarms on every floor, emergency lighting, extinguishers
Management Standards
Pass fit and proper person test
License holder must have no serious criminal record or housing offenses
Comply with HMO Management Regulations 2006
Provide written tenancy info, maintain common areas, manage waste
Pro Tips
- •London licensing applications can take 8-12 weeks - apply early
- •License fees range £500-£1,500 depending on borough and property size
- •Get professional advice - London enforcement is aggressive
- •Keep detailed records of all compliance measures
Related Resources
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