Private Sector Housing

 
 

Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation

What is a licence for housing in multiple occupation (HMO)?

HMOs in the private sector housing market are seen as valuable accommodation but it is recognised that some landlords lack the skills and knowledge to professionally manage these properties. Licensing is seen as a way to improve those HMOs by ensuring that landlords are fit and proper persons and that the standards of property management are adequate.

The following provides information on the types of HMO requiring licensing within Westminster City Council.

How do I know if I need to obtain a licence?

If your property meets the HMO definition either by :

  • being a property where there are any shared facilities or
  • being a property converted into flats and principally occupied by tenants

It is highly likely that you will need to obtain a licence or register the property. Depending on the type of HMO, the appropriate scheme below will apply.

Licensing Scheme

All HMOs comprising of 3 or more storeys, occupied by 5 or more people in 2 or more households (see the new HMO definition) must obtain a licence, this is a mandatory requirement of the Government. If you have a property of this type and you have not already registered it under the Council’s Registration Control scheme (which has been operating since 1999) you need to apply for a licence. It is important to note that some HMOs are exempt from licensing.

How do I apply?

You cannot apply on-line as the application for licensing requires documentation. You can request the application forms using the online request. If you are unsure of the status of your property, contact Residential Environmental Health at the contact details given below or try the online HMO assessment.

You can also download Westminster’s ‘Licensing and registration of HMOs’ information leaflet for further information.

Contact Environmental Health Residential Services

Westminster City Council
Department of Community Protection
Residential Environmental Health Service
Westminster City Hall
4th Floor
64 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6QP

Tel : 020 7641 6161 or 8959 for the duty officer
Fax : 020 7641 8504

Online: Complete the contact form