Greenwich HMO licensing guide

Greenwich HMO licence — do you 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.

Which licence do you need in Greenwich?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

  • Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
  • Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedIn force in Greenwich
  • Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Greenwich · See selective licensing in Greenwich

Greenwich has an open consultation on property licensing — the position above may change if a new scheme is confirmed.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Greenwich announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 31 August 2026. 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 →
ConsultationEffective: Consultation open 2026; Cabinet decision expected end of 2026

Proposed Selective Licensing Expansion — 13 Additional Wards (Consultation 2026)

Greenwich is consulting on a proposal to introduce selective licensing across 13 additional wards, on top of the current 5-ward scheme. A final Cabinet report is expected towards the end of 2026, with the scheme start date to be determined.

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 £40,000 (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026) and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 2 years' rent.
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HMO licensing in Greenwich — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Greenwich?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Greenwich runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Greenwich?
Greenwich currently has 2 schemes on our register: Greenwich Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing (from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028); Greenwich Selective Licensing — Plumstead & Woolwich (from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2027). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Greenwich?
The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Greenwich's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Greenwich?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Greenwich can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Greenwich?
HMO licence applications in Greenwich are handled by Royal Borough of Greenwich. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Greenwich HMO?

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Greenwich with other areas we track.

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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.