The London Borough of Harrow has introduced an Additional Licensing Scheme to regulate smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This scheme applies to shared rental properties that do not meet the criteria for mandatory HMO licensing but still house multiple tenants.
If you own or manage an HMO in Harrow, you must ensure your property is correctly licensed to avoid fines and legal action. Fraser Bond provides expert guidance to help landlords navigate the licensing process, ensure compliance, and protect their rental investments.
Harrow’s Additional Licensing Scheme expands HMO licensing requirements to include:
✔ Rental properties occupied by three or more people forming two or more households.
✔ Shared houses or flats where tenants share kitchen, bathroom, or living spaces.
✔ Converted buildings with self-contained flats that do not meet the 1991 Building Regulations, where less than two-thirds of flats are owner-occupied.
Harrow Council aims to:
You must apply for an Additional Licence if your property:
✔ Houses three or more unrelated tenants sharing facilities.
✔ Falls outside the scope of mandatory HMO licensing.
✔ Is in a converted building with multiple flats that do not meet modern safety regulations.
The standard Additional Licence fee in Harrow is £1,400 per property. Discounts may apply for:
✔ Accredited landlords.
✔ Early applicants under promotional schemes.
Licences are valid for up to five years.
Failure to obtain an Additional Licence can result in:
❌ Unlimited fines for operating an unlicensed HMO.
❌ Fines of up to £5,000 per offence for breaching licence conditions.
❌ Rent Repayment Orders requiring landlords to repay up to 12 months' rent to tenants.
❌ Restrictions on evictions – Landlords cannot serve Section 21 notices without a valid licence.
Landlords must apply online via Harrow Council’s portal. Applications require:
