Landlord licensing in London Borough of Barnet

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

Additional licensing

Barnet Council has not designated any areas for additional licensing. Therefore, only mandatory HMOs need an HMO licence. Check the council's website for any future scheme designations.

Selective licensing

Barnet Council operates selective licensing in the designated wards of Burnt Oak and Colindale. Landlords of all private rented properties in these areas, including single-family lets, must obtain a licence. Check the council's website for scheme details and any future designations.

Towns covered

Barnet

What this means for you

If you let a property in the London Borough of Barnet area, the first job is to confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs in specific areas. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in designated areas, including single-family lets. Check the current designations before you advertise. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) replaced fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies and ended section 21 'no-fault' evictions. A national landlord database and ombudsman are also in effect. Whatever the licensing position, ensure you have a current gas safety record where there is gas, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and all required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website