Property inspections

The mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence and additional HMO licence may require an inspection of the property before a licence can be granted. Inspections are carried out by The Oyster Partnership officers working on behalf of Croydon Council.

You will normally be contacted in advance to arrange an appointment. In some circumstances, we have legal powers that allow officers to visit a property without an appointment.

Check that an officer is genuine

Every officer carries a photographic identity badge showing their name, photograph, the Croydon Council logo and the name of our delivery partner, The Oyster Partnership. You should ask to see their identification before letting anyone into your property. You should not let anyone into your property if their identification does not match the details you have been given.

An officer will never ask you for a payment, for bank details, or for cash. All licence fees are paid online through our licensing portal. If anyone asks you to pay at the door do not make a payment, and report it to the licensing service on 020 8050 0276.

What the officer will inspect

The officer’s role is to check that the property meets the required standards and relevant legislation. They will assess things like: 

• fire safety and means of escape
• gas and electrical safety certificates
• room sizes and occupancy
• amenities such as kitchens and bathrooms
• property condition and any hazards
• management arrangements 

The officer will take notes, measurements and photographs.

After the inspection, the officer will discuss the outcome with the applicant, licence holder or managing agent and explain whether any works are needed. The inspection report will be added to the application and a copy can be requested to these interested parties.