Do I Need an HMO Licence?
There is no single test that covers every property. The right answer depends on how many people live there, how many separate households they form, your borough, and sometimes your exact ward or street. Use the checklist below as a starting point — not a final answer.
Work through these questions
5 or more people from 2 or more households, sharing facilities?
If yes, a Mandatory HMO licence is very likely to apply — this applies nationally, in every London borough, regardless of storeys.
3 or 4 people from 2 or more households, sharing facilities?
This may need an Additional HMO licence, but only if your borough (or your specific ward) has an active Additional licensing scheme. Check your borough guide to confirm.
A single-family let, or a property let to one household only?
Mandatory and Additional HMO licensing won’t apply, but Selective licensing might — some boroughs require a licence for all privately rented homes in a designated area, regardless of occupancy.
A building converted into self-contained flats?
This may fall under Section 257 HMO rules rather than the standard HMO tests — the licensing position for converted blocks depends on when the conversion took place and whether it meets current building standards.
Not sure how many households are living there, or the exact layout?
This is one of the most common areas of uncertainty. Household composition (rather than headcount alone) is often the deciding factor, so it’s worth confirming before assuming either way.
Still not sure?
That's common — licensing rules combine a national test (Mandatory HMO licensing) with local schemes that vary by borough and sometimes by ward (Additional and Selective licensing). See our guide to the three licence types for the full picture, or check your specific property below.
Ready to check your property?
Book a free consult, or run the free licence checker for a borough-aware answer.