Do I need an HMO licence in Kensington and Chelsea?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Kensington and Chelsea runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Kensington and Chelsea?

Kensington and Chelsea currently has one scheme on our register: Kensington & Chelsea Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing (from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028). 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 Kensington and Chelsea?

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. Kensington and Chelsea's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Kensington and Chelsea?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Kensington and Chelsea can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Kensington and Chelsea?

HMO licence applications in Kensington and Chelsea are handled by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Kensington and Chelsea HMO licensing guide

Kensington and Chelsea HMO licence — do you need one?

Kensington and Chelsea has 1 licensing scheme 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 Kensington and Chelsea announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028

Kensington & Chelsea Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing

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

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Kensington and Chelsea-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).

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HMO licensing in Kensington and Chelsea — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Kensington and Chelsea?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Kensington and Chelsea runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Kensington and Chelsea?: Kensington and Chelsea currently has one scheme on our register: Kensington & Chelsea Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing (from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028). 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 Kensington and Chelsea?: 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. Kensington and Chelsea's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Kensington and Chelsea?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Kensington and Chelsea can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Kensington and Chelsea?: HMO licence applications in Kensington and Chelsea are handled by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Kensington and Chelsea with other areas we track.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Kensington and Chelsea 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 Kensington and Chelsea before letting or applying for a licence.