Houses in multiple occupation (HMO) consultation

The consultation to renew our additional HMO licensing scheme has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part or submitted a response. You can still read about the proposals and view the relevant supporting documentation further below.

We are being supported in conducting the consultation by independent consultation specialist Public Perspectives. They are producing a report of the results, which will help inform the Council’s decision, along with other relevant information. The final report will be published on the Council’s website in due course, and we anticipate the final decision being taken by the Cabinet Member for Better Homes before the end of June 2025. Further updates will be provided in accordance with the decision made.

Overview

In Camden, we believe everyone deserves a decent, safe and warm home. With over a third of households now living in the private rented sector, it is more important than ever to ensure properties provide good quality accommodation to all residents who choose to make Camden their home.
As part of our commitment to tackle poor housing conditions and improve management standards, we’ve completed a consultation on renewing our borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme.

HMOs and licensing

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are shared properties rented out by at least three people from two different households. They include house or flat shares, bedsits, student homes and some buildings converted into self-contained flats.

Good quality shared accommodation can provide decent and affordable places for Camden residents to live. However, we are aware that this type of accommodation can in some cases, be of poor quality and badly managed. This causes problems for the occupants as well as those living nearby.

In Camden, landlords are required to have a licence if they own or manage an HMO. The licence makes sure the property is well-maintained and safe for everyone living there. Issues like antisocial behaviour and overcrowding are also monitored under the licence. The scheme allows the Council to take action against rogue landlords who fail to comply.

Proposed scheme

A review of the existing scheme has shown we have made good progress in improving property and management standards within HMO’s. We have therefore completed a consultation to renew it for a further five years when the current scheme ends in December. The scheme will focus on improving safety, conditions and management of these HMOs, and will help us work together with landlords and tenants to make sure that these homes are well managed and maintained.

Relevant consultation documents

If you need more information, you can contact our HMO licensing team on 020 7974 5969 on Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or you can email hmoconsultation@camden.gov.uk.