Get licensed. Stay protected.
An unlicensed HMO puts your rent at risk. We prepare and submit your application for any London council, quickly and done properly.
Tell us about your property
From first check to licence, in four steps
Check the property
An EHO checks the property against your council's HMO standards, on site or from your plans, photos and certificates, before anything is submitted.
List the works
Fire doors, alarms, room sizes, kitchens: exactly what's needed, nothing more.
Draw floor plans
Plans in the format councils ask for, from our visit or your measurements.
Submit and liaise
We complete the application and deal with the council until your licence is granted.
Everything councils ask for, in one checklist.
Most applications get held up by missing paperwork. We tell you exactly what your council needs and check it all before anything is submitted.
Certificates
- Gas safety certificate
- Electrical report (EICR)
- Energy certificate (EPC)
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates, where fitted
Property details
- Floor plans with room sizes
- Number of tenants and households
- Kitchens, bathrooms and WCs
Ownership and management
- Owner and manager details
- Mortgage lender and freeholder, if any
- Tenancy agreement template
Missing something? We'll tell you what to get and who can provide it. Licence applications from £295; council fees are paid separately. See prices.
Every council does it differently.
We handle licence applications for councils across London. Each one sets its own schemes, fees and standards, and they change often. We check the rules for your street before we start, so your application matches what your council actually wants.
HMO licensing questions, answered
Do I need an HMO licence for 3 tenants?
Often, yes. A property let to 3 or more people from 2 or more households who share a kitchen or bathroom is an HMO. Five or more needs a mandatory licence everywhere in England, and many London boroughs also require an additional licence for 3 or 4 sharers. Send us the address and we'll confirm which applies.
What's the difference between mandatory, additional and selective licensing?
Mandatory licensing covers HMOs with 5 or more people from 2 or more households, across England. Additional licensing is set by individual councils and usually covers smaller HMOs of 3 or 4 sharers. Selective licensing covers ordinary single-household lets in areas a council has designated.
Can you help if my property is outside London?
We focus on London councils. If your property is outside London, get in touch with the address and we'll tell you whether we can help.
How much does an HMO licence cost?
There are two parts: the council's own fee, which varies by council and is often over £1,000 for a five-year licence, and our fee for preparing and submitting the application, from £295. We'll tell you the exact council fee for your area when we quote.
What happens if I let an HMO without a licence?
It's a criminal offence. Councils can prosecute or issue civil penalties running to tens of thousands of pounds, and tenants can apply for a rent repayment order to claw back rent. Once a valid application has been submitted, you have a defence while the council decides, so the priority is getting it in.
What are the minimum room sizes for an HMO?
Under national licence conditions in England, a bedroom must be at least 6.51m² for one adult and 10.22m² for two adults. Floor area under 1.5m ceiling height doesn't count. Some councils set extra standards for kitchens and bathrooms, which we check during the inspection.
How long does an HMO licence application take?
We usually submit within a week of the inspection once your certificates are in. The council then processes it, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the borough.
How long does an HMO licence last?
Usually up to five years. Some councils grant shorter licences if there are concerns about the property or its management. You'll need to renew before it expires.
What documents do I need for an HMO licence?
Usually a gas safety certificate, an electrical report (EICR), an energy certificate (EPC), fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates where fitted, floor plans with room sizes, and owner, manager and mortgage details. Each council has its own list, so we check yours before anything is submitted.