Harrow Compliance Requirements

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

Pop. 260,000|Updated 2026-02-27|Council website →
3Licence Types
11Docs Required
£1,818 new / £1,285.90 renewalHMO Fee

Licensing Requirements

Mandatory HMO

Required

Additional HMO

Required

Borough-wide additional licensing for HMOs with 3-4 occupants

Selective Licensing

Active

Designated areas across the borough

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 council for assessment.

Property Standards

Minimum Room Sizes

single bedroom: 6.51 sqm (1 person)
double bedroom: 10.22 sqm (2 persons)
kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants
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)

Electrical Safety

EICR every 5 years minimum

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
  • Adequate ventilation
  • Secure entry systems
  • Waste management facilities

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
Tenancy agreements
Anti-social behaviour action plan
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership

Fees & Timeline

Licence Fees

HMO Licence
£1,818 new / £1,285.90 renewal (Admin: £1,318/£785.90 + Inspection: £500)
Additional Licence
Approximately £1,475-£1,623 (contact council for current rates)
Selective Licence
£752 (£652 administration + £100 management/enforcement)

Timeline

Licence Processing
8-12 weeks typical
Typical Setup Time
4-8 weeks from application to approval

Harrow-Specific Notes

  • Three licensing schemes: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, and Selective Licensing
  • Fees split into administration (upfront) and inspection (later)
  • Pre-application advice available at £180/hour
  • Applications submitted via MyHarrow account
  • Incomplete applications are rejected

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required for HMOs in Harrow?
Harrow requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, Selective Licensing. Borough-wide additional licensing for HMOs with 3-4 occupants
What are the minimum room sizes in Harrow?
Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).
How much does an HMO licence cost in Harrow?
The HMO licence fee in Harrow is £1,818 new / £1,285.90 renewal (Admin: £1,318/£785.90 + Inspection: £500). Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Harrow?
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 Harrow?
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, Tenancy agreements, Anti-social behaviour action plan, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership.

Contact & Sources

Council Contact

Harrow Property Licensing Team

propertylicensing@harrow.gov.uk

020 8424 1111

Harrow Compliance Checklist

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