Landlord licensing in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

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. Fees are detailed on the council's website.

Additional licensing

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames implemented an additional HMO licensing scheme on 1 December 2023 for HMOs with three or four sharers. This scheme covers all wards in the borough.

Selective licensing

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. However, this position can change, so always verify on the council's licensing pages.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO Licence fees for 2026 are published on the council's website. Discounts may be available for accredited landlords. Additional HMO licence fees are also detailed on the council's website.

Towns covered

Richmond upon Thames

What this means for you

If you let a property in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, confirm which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with five or more people forming two or more households who share facilities. Additional licensing for smaller HMOs may apply across specific areas, so check the council's website. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in designated areas, including single-family lets. Check 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. Ensure you have a current gas safety record, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection with prescribed information, and all required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website