Greenwich HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Greenwich — do I need one?

Greenwich has 2 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Greenwich announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028

Greenwich Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing

Borough-wide additional licensing covering all HMOs with 3+ residents from 2+ households not under mandatory licensing.

Read the original announcement →
SelectiveEffective: 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2027

Greenwich Selective Licensing — Plumstead & Woolwich

Selective licensing covering Plumstead & Glyndon, Plumstead Common, Shooters Hill, Woolwich Arsenal and Woolwich Common wards.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Greenwich-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

  • 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
  • A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
Run the free HMO checker

Stay on top of HMO compliance with RentFig

RentFig tracks every HMO licence renewal alongside gas safety, EICR, EPC, fire alarm tests and right-to-rent checks. Email reminders, audit trail, AI assistant on WhatsApp. Free for one property.

Start freeSee features

Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Greenwich schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Royal Borough of Greenwich before letting or applying for a licence.