Camden Property Licensing: Which Schemes Apply to You?

Camden is a central north London borough with one of the most varied rental markets in the capital. From the student-heavy areas around Bloomsbury and Euston to the more residential neighbourhoods of Hampstead and Kentish Town, the private rented sector plays a significant role in the borough's housing market.

Selective licensing in Camden

Camden does not currently operate a borough-wide selective licensing scheme. However, the council has consulted on introducing selective licensing in specific areas and landlords should monitor the council's website for any new designations. The absence of a selective scheme does not mean that properties in Camden are exempt from licensing requirements altogether.

Additional licensing for HMOs in Camden

Camden operates an additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) that are occupied by three or more people forming two or more households but fall below the threshold for mandatory HMO licensing. This scheme covers the whole borough and means that a wide range of shared houses and flats in Camden require a licence, not just larger HMOs.

Landlords of properties occupied by three or four people in shared accommodation should check whether their property meets the definition of an HMO under the Housing Act 2004 and whether an additional licence is required.

Mandatory HMO licensing

Any property in Camden occupied by five or more people forming two or more households, sharing facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom, is subject to mandatory HMO licensing. This is a national requirement and applies across the whole borough without the need for a specific council designation.

How to apply

Licence applications in Camden are submitted through the council's online licensing portal. Fees and conditions vary depending on the type of licence and the size of the property. For current fee schedules, designated areas, and application guidance, visit the London Borough of Camden HMO licensing page.

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This page was researched and written by the Tuxa editorial team. Our data is sourced directly from local authority websites, MHCLG scheme designation orders, and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). We update our content when councils announce new schemes or enforcement actions. If you spot an error or out-of-date information, please contact us.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Licensing Fees in Camden

Camden London Borough Council charges the following fees for property licences:

• Additional HMO licence (5 years): £1,300 per property
• Mandatory HMO licence (5 years): £1,300 per property

Camden does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. The council's licensing focus is on HMOs through its additional licensing scheme.

Boundary and Ward Context

Camden is a central north London borough covering 21.8 square kilometres. The borough is divided into 18 wards, including Bloomsbury, Camden Town, Hampstead, Highgate, Kentish Town, and Kilburn. Camden's additional HMO licensing scheme applies across the whole borough.

Wards with the highest concentrations of licensed HMOs include Bloomsbury, Camden Town with Primrose Hill, and Kilburn, which have large student and young professional populations. The University College London, SOAS, and the Royal Veterinary College all have significant student populations in the borough.

Key postcodes in Camden: NW1, NW3, NW5, NW6, WC1.

How to Apply for a Licence in Camden

Applications for HMO licences in Camden are made through Camden Council's online licensing portal:

1. Confirm your property meets the HMO definition

2. Register on the Camden Council licensing portal

3. Complete the application with property details, room sizes, and management information

4. Provide required safety certificates: gas safety certificate, EICR, and EPC

5. Pay the application fee

6. Await a property inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Camden rental property need a licence?

HMOs in Camden with 3 or more occupants from 2 or more households require an additional HMO licence. HMOs with 5 or more occupants require a mandatory HMO licence. Single-let properties in Camden do not currently require a selective licence.

What are the penalties for renting an unlicensed HMO in Camden?

Camden Council can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 per unlicensed property. Tenants can apply for a Rent Repayment Order to recover up to 12 months of rent. Camden has been an active enforcement authority, particularly in areas with high HMO concentrations.

Does Camden have selective licensing?

Camden does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. The council has consulted on selective licensing in the past but has not designated any areas to date.

How long does a Camden HMO licence last?

Camden Council typically grants HMO licences for five years.

Last reviewed: March 2026. Source: Camden Council housing licensing pages; Housing Act 2004.

Related Guides

• What Is Selective Licensing? A Complete Guide for UK Landlords
• Selective vs Additional Licensing: What Is the Difference?
• Rental Licensing Fines: What UK Landlords Need to Know
• How to Stay Compliant with HMO Licensing
• Active licensing consultations and upcoming scheme changes