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Kensington and Chelsea Compliance Requirements

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

Pop. 160,000|Updated 2026-02-27|Council website →
2Licence Types
9Docs Required
£1,450 up to 5 units. +£70 per additional room.HMO Fee

Licensing Requirements

Mandatory HMO

Required

Additional HMO

Required

Borough-wide additional licensing scheme effective 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028 covering HMOs with 3+ unrelated occupants

Selective Licensing

Not active

Article 4 Direction

Not in place

No Article 4 Direction affecting HMO conversions

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
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership

Fees & Timeline

Licence Fees

HMO Licence
£1,450 (£974 Part A + £476 Part B) up to 5 units. +£70 per additional room.
Additional Licence
£1,450 (£974 Part A + £476 Part B) up to 5 units. +£70 per additional room.

Timeline

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

Kensington and Chelsea-Specific Notes

  • Mandatory and Additional HMO licensing with identical fee structures
  • No selective licensing scheme
  • £200 discount for accredited landlords or safeagent/Propertymark-approved agents
  • £30 discount for landlords submitting more than 3 HMO licences
  • Fees subject to annual adjustment (~3% increase proposed for 2026/27)
  • No Article 4 Direction affecting HMO conversions

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required for HMOs in Kensington and Chelsea?
Kensington and Chelsea requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO. Borough-wide additional licensing scheme effective 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028 covering HMOs with 3+ unrelated occupants
What are the minimum room sizes in Kensington and Chelsea?
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 Kensington and Chelsea?
The HMO licence fee in Kensington and Chelsea is £1,450 (£974 Part A + £476 Part B) up to 5 units. +£70 per additional room.. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Kensington and Chelsea?
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 Kensington and Chelsea?
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.

Contact & Sources

Council Contact

Kensington and Chelsea HMO Licensing Team

propertylicensing@rbkc.gov.uk

020 7361 3000

Kensington and Chelsea Compliance Checklist

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Licensing

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Property Standards

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Documentation

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