Selective Licensing in Barnet: Schemes, Fees and Dates

Landlords in Barnet must be aware that a borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) is currently in effect, running from 27 October 2022 to 27 October 2027. This scheme extends licensing requirements beyond mandatory HMO licensing to cover smaller HMOs across the entire London Borough of Barnet.

Barnet Additional Licensing Scheme: Key Details

Barnet Council’s Additional Licensing scheme applies to HMOs occupied by three or more people forming two or more separate households, where those occupants share amenities like a kitchen or bathroom. This includes properties that might not meet the higher occupancy thresholds for mandatory HMO licensing, ensuring a broader oversight of shared living accommodations within the borough. The scheme was introduced following a public consultation in 2021 and covers all wards within Barnet.

What types of properties are covered?

Specifically, the scheme requires a licence for:

* HMOs under Section 254 of the Housing Act 2004: These are properties occupied by three or more people from two or more households, sharing facilities.

* HMOs under Section 257 of the Housing Act 2004: This applies to buildings that are three or more storeys in height, contain at least three self-contained flats, all of which are privately rented, and both the building and the flats are under the same ownership or control.

If your property falls into these categories and is not exempt under Schedule 14 of the Housing Act 2004 or Regulation 6 of The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006, you will need to apply for a licence.

Licensing Fees in Barnet

The fees for an HMO licence in Barnet are structured into two stages, with the first fee accompanying the application and the second paid after the initial inspection. These fees apply from 1 January 2026.

Landlords who are members of accredited schemes such as the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS), National Landlords Association (NLA), or Residential Landlords Association (RLA) may be eligible for a 10% discount on Fee 1. This discount is also available to charities. Evidence of accreditation must be provided at the time of application.

What this means for your property

Consider a landlord owning a four-bedroom property in the Golders Green ward of Barnet. This property is rented to four university students, each on individual tenancy agreements, sharing a kitchen and two bathrooms. Under the previous licensing rules, this property might not have required a licence if it didn't meet the mandatory HMO criteria of five or more occupants. However, with Barnet's borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme, this property now falls under the requirement because it houses four individuals from four separate households, exceeding the three-person, two-household threshold. The landlord must apply for an Additional HMO licence, paying the £1,872.00 fee for a five-year licence, split into an initial £1,061.00 application fee and a subsequent £811.00 post-inspection fee. Failure to do so could result in significant penalties, including fines and a ban from letting properties.

How to apply

1. Determine Eligibility: Use the criteria above to confirm if your property requires an Additional HMO licence. Even if you believe your property is exempt, it is advisable to confirm with Barnet Council.

2. Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documentation, which typically includes floor plans, gas safety certificates, electrical safety certificates, tenancy agreements, and proof of landlord accreditation if you intend to claim a discount.

3. Complete Application: Submit your application form online via the Barnet Council website. Ensure you pay the Stage 1 fee (£1,061.00 for a 5-year licence) at this point.

4. Property Inspection: After your application is processed, the council will arrange an inspection of your property. This inspection will assess compliance with housing standards and management regulations.

5. Pay Stage 2 Fee: Following a successful inspection, you will be required to pay the Stage 2 fee (£811.00 for a 5-year licence) for your licence to be issued.

Check your specific property

To confirm the exact licensing requirements for your property and to begin the application process, use our property licensing checker tool. This will provide tailored information based on your property's location and characteristics.

Check your property now