Do I need an HMO licence in Richmond upon Thames?

Richmond upon Thames doesn't run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so only the national mandatory HMO licence applies: you need one if you let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Richmond upon Thames?

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.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Richmond upon Thames?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Richmond upon Thames can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

How much is an HMO licence in Richmond upon Thames?

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames charges £1,827 for a first mandatory HMO licence on a 5-bedroom, 5-person HMO (standard fee, no discounts), checked on the council's own fee schedule on 14 October 2026. Fees change, usually each April, so confirm with the council before you apply. See how this compares with other councils in our HMO licence fees index.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Richmond upon Thames?

HMO licence applications in Richmond upon Thames are handled by London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Richmond upon Thames HMO licensing guide

Richmond upon Thames HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Richmond upon Thames if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Richmond upon Thames runs no additional or selective scheme on top. London Borough of Richmond upon Thames's standard fee is £1,827 for a 5-bedroom, 5-person HMO. Apply to London Borough of Richmond upon Thames using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Richmond upon Thames?

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-designatedNot in force in Richmond upon Thames
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsNot in force in Richmond upon Thames

Licensing status in Richmond upon Thames

Sourced from Richmond upon Thames announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 22 October 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Mandatory onlyEffective: Mandatory only

Richmond upon Thames — Mandatory HMO Licensing Only

Richmond operates only the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme. The council has no immediate plans to introduce additional or selective licensing.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Richmond upon Thames-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.
Letting an unlicensed HMO can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 (up from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026) or prosecution, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Run the free HMO checker

Licence fee: £1,827 for a first mandatory HMO licence (5-bedroom, 5-person HMO, standard fee) — council source, checked 14 October 2026. Compare HMO licence fees across 71 councils

Manage the HMO in RentFig — rooms, licensing checks, certificates.

HMO licensing in Richmond upon Thames — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Richmond upon Thames?: Richmond upon Thames doesn't run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so only the national mandatory HMO licence applies: you need one if you let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Richmond upon Thames?: 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.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Richmond upon Thames?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Richmond upon Thames can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).
How much is an HMO licence in Richmond upon Thames?: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames charges £1,827 for a first mandatory HMO licence on a 5-bedroom, 5-person HMO (standard fee, no discounts), checked on the council's own fee schedule on 14 October 2026. Fees change, usually each April, so confirm with the council before you apply. See how this compares with other councils in our HMO licence fees index.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Richmond upon Thames?: HMO licence applications in Richmond upon Thames are handled by London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Richmond upon Thames HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's free tenant credit check form — free, no account needed — then run tenant referencing from £9 per tenant: a credit check, or a £19 full reference with Right to Rent. Pay per check, no subscription.

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.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Richmond upon Thames with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

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