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Tower Hamlets Compliance Requirements

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

Pop. 310,000|Updated 2026-05-26|Council website →
3Licence Types
9Docs Required
£977 online — Part A £453.50, Part B £583.50HMO Fee

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Licensing Requirements

Mandatory HMO

Required

Additional HMO

Required

Borough-wide additional licensing scheme covering all HMOs with 3 or more occupants

Selective Licensing

Active

All private rented properties borough-wide

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 storey and in sleeping areas
  • Heat detectors in kitchens
  • Carbon monoxide detectors where required
  • Fire doors (FD30S) on escape routes with self-closers
  • Emergency lighting in larger HMOs
  • Fire risk assessment — annual review
  • Fire escape routes kept clear

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 property
  • Hot and cold water to all facilities
  • Adequate ventilation and lighting
  • 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 room measurements
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership

Fees & Timeline

Licence Fees

HMO Licence
£977 online (£1,147 postal) + £68.50 per habitable room (5-year licence) — Part A £453.50, Part B £583.50
Additional Licence
£1,323 online (£1,550.50 postal) + £68.50 per habitable room — Part A £618, Part B £787.50
Selective Licence
£897 online new (£1,034 postal) / £747 online renewal (£882 postal) — Part A £422, Part B £530

Timeline

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

Enforcement in this borough

£1.3 million in tenant rent-repayment orders secured by Tower Hamlets council

Tower Hamlets is one of a small number of London councils that runs in-house Rent Repayment Order (RRO) assistance — they don't refer tenants to external services. Since the programme began, the council has secured more than £1.3 million for renters across mandatory, additional and selective licensing schemes.

Mio Real Estate Ltd — Bethnal Green, E2
Tribunal:
First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
Ruling:
6 March 2026
Companies House:
14237516

Ordered to repay 70% of rent paid to 5 Bethnal Green tenants plus £777 tribunal fees — under the licensing scheme.

This outcome shows that tenants do not have to accept unsafe or unlawful housing. Where landlords fail to meet their legal duties, the council will take action. — David Joyce, Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration

Don't be the next named case. If you let property in Tower Hamlets — especially in E1, E2, E3 or E14 — get your licensing, EICR, gas safety and fire risk assessment in order before the council comes to you.

Council source

Tower Hamlets-Specific Notes

  • Three licensing schemes: Mandatory HMO (5+ people), Additional HMO (3+ people borough-wide), and Selective Licensing (all private rentals)
  • Fees split into application and grant components
  • Discounts available for accredited landlords
  • Active enforcement with fines up to £40,000 and rent repayment orders
  • High demand area for supported living accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required for HMOs in Tower Hamlets?
Tower Hamlets requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, Selective Licensing. Borough-wide additional licensing scheme covering all HMOs with 3 or more occupants
What are the minimum room sizes in Tower Hamlets?
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 Tower Hamlets?
The HMO licence fee in Tower Hamlets is £977 online (£1,147 postal) + £68.50 per habitable room (5-year licence) — Part A £453.50, Part B £583.50. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Tower Hamlets?
Smoke alarms on every storey and in sleeping areas. Heat detectors in kitchens. Carbon monoxide detectors where required. Fire doors (FD30S) on escape routes with self-closers. Emergency lighting in larger HMOs. Fire risk assessment — annual review. Fire escape routes kept clear.
What documents are needed for compliance in Tower Hamlets?
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 room measurements, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership.

Contact & Sources

Council Contact

Tower Hamlets Landlord Licensing Team

[email protected]

020 7364 5000

Tower Hamlets Compliance Checklist

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