New additional HMO licensing scheme designation agreed

The public consultation to renew the additional HMO licensing scheme closed in April. Over 800 people responded to the consultation, with 58% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing with the renewal of the scheme.

After considering the report and results of the consultation, the Cabinet Member for Better Homes has agreed to renew the scheme, with some small changes to the original proposals (in relation to two additional licence conditions regarding waste management, and reduced term licences). The official designation for the new scheme was made on the 2 July and will come into force when the current scheme expires on 8 December 2025.

You can read:

You can also still read about the original proposals and view the relevant supporting documentation which formed part of the consultation further below.

Overview of completed consultation

In Camden, we believe everyone deserves a decent, safe and warm home. With over a third of households now living in the private rented sector, it is more important than ever to ensure properties provide good quality accommodation to all residents who choose to make Camden their home. As part of our commitment to tackle poor housing conditions and improve management standards, we completed a public consultation on renewing our borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme.

We were supported in conducting the consultation by independent consultation specialists Public Perspectives. They produced the report of the results, which helped inform the Council’s decision, along with other relevant information. This information can be found by following the link at point number 3 above.

HMOs and licensing

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are shared properties rented out by at least three people from two different households. They include house or flat shares, bedsits, student homes and some buildings converted into self-contained flats.

Good quality shared accommodation can provide decent and affordable places for Camden residents to live. However, we are aware that this type of accommodation can in some cases, be of poor quality and badly managed. This causes problems for the occupants as well as those living nearby.

In Camden, landlords are required to have a licence if they own or manage an HMO. The licence makes sure the property is well-maintained and safe for everyone living there. Issues like antisocial behaviour and overcrowding are also monitored under the licence. The scheme allows the Council to take action against rogue landlords who fail to comply.

Proposed scheme

A review of the existing scheme has shown we have made good progress in improving property and management standards within HMO’s. We have therefore completed a consultation to renew it for a further five years when the current scheme ends in December. The scheme will focus on improving safety, conditions and management of these HMOs, and will help us work together with landlords and tenants to make sure that these homes are well managed and maintained.

Relevant consultation documents

If you need more information, you can contact our HMO licensing team on 020 7974 5969 on Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or you can email [email protected].