Camden HMO Licensing Requirements 2026: Landlord Guide

Camden's HMO licensing scheme is in transition. With the current additional licensing scheme expiring in December 2025 and a renewal designated for July 2025, landlords need to stay alert to changes. Camden is also known for strict room size enforcement with specific compliance periods for undersized rooms — a feature that sets it apart from many boroughs.

This guide covers Camden's licensing schemes, the upcoming renewal, property standards, and what landlords need to know for 2026.

Camden's Licensing Schemes

Camden currently operates two licensing schemes with a renewal approaching.

Mandatory HMO Licensing

This national scheme applies to larger HMOs with five or more occupants from two or more households sharing facilities.

Status: Active now Licence term: Five years Coverage: Borough-wide for qualifying properties

Additional HMO Licensing

Camden operates a borough-wide additional licensing scheme covering HMOs with three or more persons from two or more households.

Important dates:

Current scheme expires: 8 December 2025
Renewal designated: 2 July 2025

Changes in renewed scheme: The renewal includes minor changes, notably updated waste management conditions and the possibility of reduced-term licences in some circumstances.

Action required: If you hold an additional HMO licence in Camden, monitor the renewal process closely. Your licence may need renewal under the new scheme.

Selective Licensing

Camden does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.

Fees and Processing

Camden was consulting on fees as of February 2026. Contact the council directly for current fee information, as rates may have changed with the scheme renewal.

Processing Times

Standard processing: 8-12 weeks

Allow the full 12 weeks during the renewal transition period, as the council may experience higher application volumes.

Property Standards in Camden

Camden applies national HMO standards with notably strict enforcement on room sizes.

Room Size Requirements

Minimum floor areas:

Single bedroom (1 person): 6.51 square metres
- Important: Rooms under 6.51m² must be vacated within 18 months
Double bedroom (2 persons): 10.22 square metres
- Important: Rooms under 10.22m² for 2 persons must be reduced to single occupancy within 18 months
Kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants
Living room: Required for larger HMOs

Camden's 18-month compliance period for undersized rooms is a distinctive feature. The council doesn't require immediate vacation but gives a defined timeline to achieve compliance.

Fire Safety Standards

Requirements include:

Smoke alarms: On every floor
Heat detectors: Required in kitchens
Fire doors: FD30-rated on escape routes
Fire risk assessment: Required
Fire safety equipment: Required
Clear escape routes: Must be maintained

Gas and Electrical Safety

Gas safety: Annual CP12 certificate (max 12 months old at application)
Electrical safety: EICR every 5 years maximum
EPC rating: Minimum E rating required by law

Note: Camden specifies that certificates must be current at application — not expired or nearing expiry.

Heating Requirements

Camden specifies minimum temperatures:

Bedrooms: Minimum 18°C
Living areas: Minimum 21°C

Additional Requirements

Hot and cold water to all facilities
Adequate ventilation
Secure entry systems
Waste management facilities (updated conditions in renewed scheme)

Required Documentation

Prepare these documents before applying:

Licensing Documents:

HMO licence application
Floor plans/layout of each room
Planning permission or certificate of lawful use
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership

Safety Certificates:

Gas safety certificate (CP12) — max 12 months old
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — max 5 years old
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Fire risk assessment

For Renewals:

Evidence of completed works (if improvements were required)

Special Cases

Purpose-Built Blocks

Camden treats purpose-built blocks of three or more self-contained flats differently. These fall under additional licensing rather than mandatory HMO licensing, even if they would otherwise meet mandatory thresholds.

This is a technical distinction that affects larger developments. Check with the council if you're unsure which category applies.

Supported Living and Exempt Accommodation

Supported accommodation may qualify for exemption from HMO licensing under Housing Act 2004 sections 254 and 257. However:

Exemption is assessed case-by-case
Contact the council to confirm your status
Exemption does not exempt you from property standards
The council will still inspect and enforce

The December 2025 Renewal

If you hold an additional HMO licence, here's what to expect:

Timeline

July 2025: Renewal designated
December 2025: Current scheme expires
Early 2026: New scheme in effect

Changes to Expect

The renewed scheme includes:

Updated waste management conditions
Possibility of reduced-term licences
Otherwise largely unchanged requirements

Action for Licence Holders

Monitor council communications about the renewal
Prepare for potential fee changes
Review your property's compliance with updated conditions
Apply for renewal in good time before December 2025

Enforcement and Penalties

Camden enforces licensing requirements. Penalties include:

Civil penalties up to £30,000 per offence
Rent repayment orders (up to 12 months' rent)
Prohibition orders
Criminal prosecution for serious breaches

The council is particularly active on room size enforcement given the 18-month compliance period mechanism.

Planning Permission

For HMOs:

3-6 occupants: C4 use class
7+ occupants: Sui Generis use class

Check with the planning department before converting properties.

Getting Help

Camden HMO Licensing Team

Email: hmo@camden.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7974 5969
Website: camden.gov.uk/houses-multiple-occupation

Camden publishes a comprehensive HMO standards PDF on their website. Download this for detailed technical requirements.

BoroughReady Support for Camden

With the scheme renewal in progress, Camden landlords need to stay informed. BoroughReady's Camden compliance pack includes:

Current scheme requirements
Renewal updates and changes
Room size measurement tools
18-month compliance planning
Document templates
Application and renewal tracking

Get your Camden compliance quote and ensure you're ready for the scheme renewal.

Summary

Camden's licensing landscape in transition:

Mandatory HMO licensing continues unchanged
Additional licensing renewal: December 2025
Strict room size enforcement with 18-month compliance periods
Updated waste management conditions in renewed scheme
Purpose-built blocks treated under additional rather than mandatory licensing

If you hold an additional HMO licence, prepare for the December 2025 renewal. Monitor council communications and start your renewal application early.

For the latest requirements, check Camden Council's HMO licensing pages.