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Waltham Forest Compliance Requirements

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

Pop. 280,000|Updated 2026-02-27|Council website →
3Licence Types
9Docs Required
£1,650. 50% on application, 50% if granted.HMO Fee

Licensing Requirements

Mandatory HMO

Required

Additional HMO

Required

Borough-wide additional licensing scheme renewed 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030 covering HMOs with 3-4 occupants

Selective Licensing

Active

All private rented properties borough-wide (from 1 May 2025)

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
£1,650 (up to 8 units), £2,200 (9-19 units), £5,500 (20+ units). 50% on application, 50% if granted.
Additional Licence
£1,000
Selective Licence
£700 (from 1 May 2025)

Timeline

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

Waltham Forest-Specific Notes

  • Three licensing schemes: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, and Selective Licensing
  • Additional licensing renewed 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030
  • Selective licensing starts 1 May 2025 (excludes licensed HMOs)
  • Mandatory HMO fees tiered by number of units
  • 50% payable on application, 50% if granted
  • Failure to license risks prosecution, rent repayment orders up to 12 months, or council management takeover

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required for HMOs in Waltham Forest?
Waltham Forest requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO, Selective Licensing. Borough-wide additional licensing scheme renewed 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030 covering HMOs with 3-4 occupants
What are the minimum room sizes in Waltham Forest?
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 Waltham Forest?
The HMO licence fee in Waltham Forest is £1,650 (up to 8 units), £2,200 (9-19 units), £5,500 (20+ units). 50% on application, 50% if granted.. Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Waltham Forest?
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 Waltham Forest?
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

Waltham Forest Property Licensing Team

propertylicensing@walthamforest.gov.uk

020 8496 3000

Waltham Forest Compliance Checklist

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