HMO licensing in North Hertfordshire

North Hertfordshire District 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 £978.25, and £766 to renew. Fees can depend on the number of occupants or lettings, and they are reviewed each year.

Fee covers a 5-year mandatory HMO licence and is split into an 'application' component and a 'licence' component. A new application totals £978.25 (£875.25 application fee + £103.00 licence fee). A re-licence (renewal) application totals £766.00 (£609.50 + £156.50). A variation application totals £231.75. Pre-application advice/consultation is charged at £54.00 per hour. Figures are the council's published 2025/26 rates; no instalment plan is advertised.

Check the current fee on the council website (north-herts.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.

• Fire alarm system with test certificates for the alarm and emergency lighting.
• Fire Risk Assessment must be provided.
• Fire extinguisher maintenance certificate required.
• Furniture and furnishings must meet fire compliance requirements (statement required).

• Property must be suitable for the number and profile of occupants ('suitability standards').
• Applicants and managers must be assessed as 'fit and proper persons'.
• Management arrangements for the property require council approval, and changes to ownership, management, design, or safety systems must be reported.

• Signed application form with correct fee — Application form submitted with the applicable fee.
• Proof of address and photo ID — For the licence holder/applicant.
• Gas safety certificate — Valid within the last 12 months.
• Fire alarm and emergency lighting test certificates — Evidence the fire detection and emergency lighting systems have been tested.
• Detailed property plans with measurements — Floor plans showing room layout and dimensions.
• Current tenancy agreement — Copy of a tenancy agreement in use at the property.
• Fire Risk Assessment — A written fire risk assessment for the property.
• EICR — Electrical installation certificate, valid within the last 5 years.
• PAT certificates — Portable appliance test certificates, valid within the last 12 months.
• Planning permission/Building Control documents — Where relevant to the property's use as an HMO.
• Furniture fire compliance statement — Confirmation that furniture meets fire safety regulations.
• Fire extinguisher maintenance certificate — Evidence of fire extinguisher servicing.
• EPC — Valid Energy Performance Certificate.

• north-herts.gov.uk
• north-herts.gov.uk
• north-herts.gov.uk

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