BoroughReady
Get Quotes

City of London Compliance Requirements

Complete guide to supported living and HMO compliance in City of London. Covers licensing, property standards, required documents, fees, and timelines.

Pop. 10,000 (residential)|Updated 2026-02-27|Council website →
1Licence Types
11Docs Required
£600 initial + £450-£1,050 based on lettingsHMO Fee

Licensing Requirements

Mandatory HMO

Required

Additional HMO

Not required

No additional HMO licensing scheme currently in place

Selective Licensing

Not active

Article 4 Direction

Not in place

Check with planning department for specific area requirements

Exempt Accommodation

Supported accommodation may be exempt under Housing Act 2004 s254/s257. Contact City of London for assessment.

Property Standards

Minimum Room Sizes

single bedroom: 6.51 sqm (1 person). Flexibility for additional shared spaces.
double bedroom: 10.22 sqm (2 persons)
kitchen: Adequate food storage, preparation and cooking facilities
living room: Required for larger HMOs

Fire Safety Requirements

  • Smoke alarms on every floor
  • Heat detectors in kitchens
  • Fire doors on escape routes
  • Fire risk assessment required
  • Fire safety equipment
  • Clear escape routes

Required Certificates

Gas Safety

Annual gas safety certificate (CP12) by registered engineer

Electrical Safety

EICR every 5 years minimum. PAT testing recommended.

EPC Rating

Minimum E rating required by law

Planning Permission

C4 use class for 3-6 occupants. Sui Generis for 7+.

Additional Requirements

  • Adequate heating throughout
  • Hot and cold water to all facilities
  • Adequate ventilation and lighting
  • Secure entry systems
  • Waste management facilities
  • Approval for ventilation/extractions by Pollution Control Team

Required Documents

HMO licence application
Gas safety certificate (CP12)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Fire risk assessment
Floor plans with measurements
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership
Management plan
Anti-social behaviour policy

Fees & Timeline

Licence Fees

HMO Licence
£600 initial + £450-£1,050 based on lettings (up to 5: £450, 6-9: £600, 10-14: £750, 15-19: £900, 20+: £1,050)

Timeline

Licence Processing
8-12 weeks typical (can take longer)
Typical Setup Time
4-8 weeks from application to approval

City of London-Specific Notes

  • Only mandatory HMO licensing currently active (5+ occupants, 3+ storeys)
  • No additional or selective licensing schemes
  • Primarily commercial district with limited residential HMOs
  • Criminal offence to operate without licence — fines up to £20,000
  • Minimum standards apply to all HMOs (licensable or not)
  • Ventilation/extraction systems require Pollution Control Team approval
  • Scheme follows Housing Act 2004 (effective April 2006)

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required for HMOs in City of London?
City of London requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO.
What are the minimum room sizes in City of London?
Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Flexibility for additional shared spaces.. Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).
How much does an HMO licence cost in City of London?
The HMO licence fee in City of London is £600 initial + £450-£1,050 based on lettings (up to 5: £450, 6-9: £600, 10-14: £750, 15-19: £900, 20+: £1,050). Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical (can take longer).
What fire safety requirements apply in City of London?
Smoke alarms on every floor. Heat detectors in kitchens. Fire doors on escape routes. Fire risk assessment required. Fire safety equipment. Clear escape routes.
What documents are needed for compliance in City of London?
You need the following documents: HMO licence application, Gas safety certificate (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Fire risk assessment, Floor plans with measurements, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership, Management plan, Anti-social behaviour policy.

Contact & Sources

Council Contact

City of London Licensing Team

licensing@cityoflondon.gov.uk

020 7332 1523

City of London Compliance Checklist

Tick off items you already have to see your compliance score.

0/14 completed0%

Licensing

0/2

Safety Certificates

0/4

Property Standards

0/4

Documentation

0/4

Need Help?

Get up to 3 free quotes from verified compliance providers in City of London.

Get Free Quotes →

Providers in City of London

Browse verified compliance providers serving this borough.

View providers →