Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

The fees for licensing a Mandatory HMO increased from 1 April  2024.

As of 20 March 2023 Croydon Council stopped accepting paper applications.

Applicants are required to make all applications (for new licences, renewal or variations of licences) and pay the relevant fee via an online system. You will need to create a user account before you are able to log in. You will also need access to an email address.

Please note that the licensing fees are non-refundable and the licences are non-transferable.

Before you start

Have the following available before you start a new licence application:

• Name and addresses of persons or organisations with an interest in the property, such as freeholders, leaseholders, managing agents, mortgage provider.
• Licence holder date of birth (the date of birth of the appointed licence holder).
• Floor plan of the property showing all floor levels, windows, doors, stairs, room uses and room sizes in metres squared.
• Property facilities details, including information on bathrooms, toilets and kitchens/cooking facilities.
• Details about the property structure and safety equipment.
• Current Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Current Gas Safety Certificate (where the property has a gas supply)
• Current Test Certificate for the fire alarm system
• Current Test Certificate for the emergency lighting
• Fire Safety Risk Assessment
• Planning certificate/approval
• Building Control completion certificate
• Payment card details.

A full application must include: 

• the completed online application
• payment of the appropriate and full fee
• supporting documents as applicable above

Applications are normally processed within 12 weeks.

Payment of the licence fee

A standard flat fee of £272 is charged for each habitable room, up to a maximum of £5,435. This includes a fee for habitable rooms that are not currently being used as bedrooms, such as living rooms and dining rooms. A habitable room does not include kitchens, bathrooms or kitchen diners. 

Undersized habitable rooms that are occupied at the time of application are charged as per the licensing fee structure.

If you need help with calculating the fees please contact us before you submit your application. If you have any difficulties or are unable to use email please contact us.

You can download information on the fee structure (PDF, 354KB). This explains the split fee and other relevant charges and the situations where a refund maybe considered. 

Payment of the fee is made in two stages: Part A and Part B.

Part A payment

The Part A payment accompanies the licence application and is £163 per habitable room. This card payment is made online at the time of making your application. 

Part B payment

The Part B payment which is due to be paid at the point the licence is to be issued and is £109 per habitable room.

Please be ready to make the Part B payment when we email you with a link to take payment. Fourteen days’ notice will be given for payment at the point the licence is ready to be issued. We ask for applicants to be prompt in making this payment once requested so that the issuing of the licence is not held up and the application is not subsequently cancelled. If an application is subsequently cancelled, no refund of the Part A payment will be made.

It is an offence to operate a licensable mandatory HMO without a licence. Landlords of mandatory HMOs operating without a licence can be subject to a financial penalty of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine in a magistrate’s court. 

Apply for, renew or manage a mandatory HMO licence

Start now

Read our guide for further help and advice on the application process (PDF, 158.14KB).