When you need a licence
As a landlord, you'll usually need a private rented property licence if:
- your property is a House in multiple occupation (HMO)
- you rent your property to private tenants in certain areas of Royal Greenwich
If you have more than one property, you'll need a licence for each property that needs one.
Types of private rented property licence
The type of licence you need depends on:
- how many households live in the property
- where your property is in the borough
There are 3 types:
- mandatory HMO licence - 5 or more tenants from 2 or more households living in a property
- additional HMO licence - up to 4 tenants from 2 or more households living in a property
- selective licence - properties in certain areas
A household is either a single person or members of the same family who live together. Read more about renting out an HMO on GOV.UK.
Mandatory HMO property licence
You'll need this if:
- 5 or more people live in your property
- the tenants make up 2 or more households
- some or all the tenants share a toilet, bathroom or kitchen
Additional HMO property licence
You'll need this if you manage a smaller HMO. This means 3 or 4 people from more than 2 households live there.
Selective property licence
You'll need a selective licence if you rent your property to one household or 2 individuals, in:
- Woolwich Riverside ward
- Woolwich Common ward
- Shooters Hill ward
- Plumstead Common ward
- Plumstead Glyndon ward
You do not need a selective licence if the property's an HMO with an HMO licence.
Read what the law says about when you may not need a selective licence.
What happens if you do not have a licence
If you do not have a property licence, we can:
- fine you up to £30,000
- take you to court which could mean you get an unlimited fine
Your tenant can apply for a Rent Repayment Order. This means you'll have to pay back their last 12 months' rent.
You will not be able to get possession of your property under Section 21.