Additional HMO Licensing Scheme

HMO licensing scheme consultation

We consulted on proposals to introduce a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme for HMOs to better ensure the quality and safety of rented accommodation in RBKC. The consultation closed on the 20 June 2021. A final decision was made by the Council’s leadership team on 19 October 2022. An Additional HMO licensing scheme for all HMOs defined by section 254 of the Housing Act 2004, that do not fall under the Mandatory Licensing Scheme, was implemented on 1 June 2023.

View the results of the HMO Licensing consultation.

HMO Licensing Scheme updates

We are committed to ensuring safer, healthier and well managed homes for our residents, prioritising improvements in housing conditions based on risk and need. As part of our approach, we introduced an Additional HMO Licensing scheme for HMOs which are not covered by the Mandatory HMOscheme. The Additional HMO licensing scheme runs alongside the existing Mandatory HMO licensing scheme.

Mandatory HMO licensing covers HMOs with five or more occupiers living as two or more separate households who share facilities. The exception is when such a property is a purpose-built flat in a block containing more than two self-contained flats. These are outside the mandatory licensing scheme but will fall under the additional licensing scheme (see below).

Additional HMO licensing covers all other HMOs that do not fall within the Mandatory licensing scheme which are occupied by three or more people living as two or more separate households who share facilities.

Apply for HMO licence

Households are defined in law and are generally individuals, couples or families. Unrelated house/flat sharers cannot be counted as households.

The Additional HMO licensing scheme runs alongside the existing Mandatory HMO licensing scheme and covers all HMOs not covered by that scheme. 

The Additional Licensing scheme came into force on 1 June 2023.