HMO Licence Documents Checklist
Use this checklist when preparing a London property licence application. Requirements vary by borough and scheme type — confirm the exact list on your borough guide before you pay the council fee. For gas safety and EICR intervals, see our certificates explainer.
Safety certificates
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Annual certificate for all gas appliances and flues in the property. Must be valid at application and renewed every 12 months while let. - Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Satisfactory report issued within the last 5 years (or sooner if the council requires). Unsatisfactory codes must be remedied before licensing. - Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Valid EPC for the property. Minimum rating requirements may apply depending on scheme and property type.
Fire safety & alarms
- Fire risk assessment
Required for most HMO applications — confirms detection, escape routes, and fire separation. Some councils accept a simplified assessment for smaller HMOs; others require a full FRA. - Fire alarm / emergency lighting test certificates
If mains-linked fire detection or emergency lighting is installed, councils typically ask for recent test records or commissioning certificates. - Fire door and compartmentation evidence
Photos or specifications showing FD30S doors, self-closers, and protected escape routes where required by local HMO standards.
Plans & room sizes
- Scaled floor plans
Plans showing each room, use (bedroom / kitchen / bathroom), and dimensions in square metres. Must match the layout at inspection. - Room size schedule
Table of bedroom sizes against borough minimums (often 6.51m² single / 10.22m² double where a separate living room exists — verify on your borough page). See kitchen and bathroom amenity guides for shared facility ratios. - Amenity calculations
Kitchen, bathroom and WC provision relative to occupant numbers. Shared HMOs must meet local amenity ratios.
Management & property details
- Management statement or plan
Some boroughs require a written management plan covering repairs, tenant contact, waste, and anti-social behaviour procedures. - Proof of ownership or permission to apply
Title register, contract, or landlord consent if the applicant is an agent or leaseholder. - Tenancy / occupancy information
Current tenancy agreements or schedule of occupants may be requested to confirm household composition.
Selective licensing extras
- Property condition photos
External and internal photos showing overall condition — common for selective (non-HMO) applications. - How to rent / prescribed information
Evidence that tenants received required documents at the start of the tenancy where applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the document list the same in every London borough?
The core safety and layout documents are similar, but each council’s application portal and validation rules differ. Always check your borough guide for ward-specific or scheme-specific requirements before submitting.
Can I apply before all certificates are ready?
Some councils accept applications with a commitment to provide documents before grant; others will refuse incomplete submissions. Missing gas or electrical safety evidence is a common reason for delay or rejection.
Do selective licences need the same documents as HMO licences?
Selective licensing usually focuses on property condition and management rather than HMO room sizes, but safety certificates and EPCs are still commonly required. HMO applications typically need fuller fire and layout evidence.
Need help collating documents?
Book a free consult for a managed application, or explore free tools while you gather certificates and plans.