Richmond upon Thames Compliance Requirements

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

Pop. 200,000|Updated 2026-02-27|Council website →
1Licence Types
9Docs Required
£1,647. Same for renewals.HMO 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 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
£1,647 (3 bed) to £2,039+ (10+ bed). Same for renewals.

Timeline

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

Richmond upon Thames-Specific Notes

  • Only mandatory HMO licensing currently active
  • No additional or selective licensing schemes
  • Fees scale by number of bedrooms
  • Two-part fee structure: fee on application + fee on grant
  • High Court ruling (Gaskin v Richmond) declared fees partly unlawful — potential refunds possible
  • ~96 licensed HMOs as of January 2024
  • Pre-application advice available at £180 for 90 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required for HMOs in Richmond upon Thames?
Richmond upon Thames requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO.
What are the minimum room sizes in Richmond upon Thames?
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 Richmond upon Thames?
The HMO licence fee in Richmond upon Thames is £1,647 (3 bed) to £2,039+ (10+ bed). Same for renewals.. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Richmond upon Thames?
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 Richmond upon Thames?
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

Richmond Private Housing Team

privatehousing@richmond.gov.uk

020 8891 1411

Richmond upon Thames Compliance Checklist

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