HMO licensing in Hertsmere

Hertsmere Borough Council operates the national mandatory scheme. We found no additional or selective licensing scheme in force or proposed as of September 2026. Councils can introduce one after a public consultation, so it is worth setting an alert.

The published fee for a new HMO licence is £1,306, and £1,306 to renew. Fees can depend on the number of occupants or lettings, and they are reviewed each year.

Scaling fee per the council's current HMO Fees table: new and renewal applications £1,306.00 for up to five people plus £105.00 for every additional person over five (so 6 occupants £1,411, 7 occupants £1,516, and so on; the per-person figure is added arithmetic from the published rates). Discount: £55.00 off for membership of a recognised landlords association (no separate accredited-scheme discount is published). Renewal is charged at the same rate as a new licence (£1,306 up to 5 people plus £105 per extra person). Variation (changes such as managing agent or numbers): £366.00. The council states its charges do not include a separate 'part 2' enforcement fee. No instalment option is published. Application is made through the GOV.UK licence service.

Check the current fee on the council website (hertsmere.gov.uk) before you apply.

National minimums for licensed HMOs are 6.51 m² for one adult and 10.22 m² for two adults; councils can apply higher local standards.

• The council relies on the Hertfordshire 'Guide to Fire Safety in Houses in Multiple Occupation' (Version 2, July 2010, based on national LACORS guidance, produced with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service); this is guidance and requirements vary by property risk.
• Typical requirement is an interlinked automatic fire detection and warning system to BS 5839 Part 6 (Grade D, LD2 for smaller shared houses, with higher grades and coverage for larger or higher-risk HMOs), with 30-minute fire-resisting doors fitted to risk rooms (bedrooms, living room, kitchen) and 30-minute protection of escape routes.
• A fire blanket should be provided in each area with cooking facilities; fire extinguishers are normally not required unless the risk assessment says so, in which case multipurpose extinguishers are specified. Emergency lighting is required where the risk assessment or layout demands it.
• A fire risk assessment is required for the common parts of HMOs under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

• Shared bath/shower and toilet scale: up to 5 persons at least 1 bathroom with a fixed bath or shower and a toilet (may be in the bathroom); 5 occupiers 1 toilet separate from the bathroom; 6-8 occupiers 2 bathrooms/toilets; 9-10 occupiers 2 toilets with 1 separate from any bathroom; 11+ occupiers 3 toilets (1 separate) or a 4th bathroom. Bathroom no more than one floor from a bedroom and toilet no more than one floor from living and bedrooms.
• Shared kitchens: one sink with drainer (min 500 x 600mm) per 5 occupiers, cold and constant hot water, 1-5 occupiers 1 full-size cooker (4 rings, oven, grill), 6-10 occupiers 2 cookers (or 1 plus microwaves), four sockets per five occupiers, adequate storage, and an extractor fan. Kitchen no more than one floor from a bedroom.
• Minimum shared room sizes: kitchen (no dining) 6 sqm for 1-5 occupiers and 11 sqm for 6-10; kitchen with dining 8.5 sqm for 1-5 and 12.5 sqm for 6-10; living/dining room 8.5 sqm for 1-5 and 12.5 sqm for 6-10; add 1.5 sqm per room for each person over 10. If more than 5 share a kitchen with no separate dining area, space and facilities must be doubled.
• Note: the council's live web page links the Amenity Standards dated April 2018; a July 2026 draft amenity standards document has also been published with a similar structure, so figures are broadly consistent but confirm the current version with the council.

• Gas safety certificate (CP12) — Valid gas safety certificate (if there is a gas supply); a copy forms part of the application. Valid for one year.
• EICR — Valid NICEIC (or equivalent) electrical installation inspection and test certificate; a copy forms part of the application (generally valid up to 5 years).
• PAT certificate — Valid portable appliance test certificate for landlord-supplied appliances; a copy forms part of the application.
• Sketch plans of each floor — Separate sketch of each floor showing room descriptions and sizes, amenities, and fire safety features so the council can determine the level of fire precautions required.
• Planning permission and Building Regulations documents — Copies of planning permissions, Building Regulation approvals or completion certificates for significant works carried out since 1985.
• Furniture fire safety declaration — Declaration that upholstered furniture supplied complies with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations.
• Fit and proper person declarations — Signed declarations from the applicant/licence holder and manager (including disclosure of any relevant offences).
• Licence fee — £1,306 up to five people plus £105 per additional person; paid as directed by the council.

• hertsmere.gov.uk
• hertsmere.gov.uk
• hertsmere.gov.uk
• hertsmere.gov.uk
• hertsmere.gov.uk

Compiled from the council’s own published pages and documents; data reviewed September 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm with Hertsmere Borough Council before applying. This is general information, not legal advice.