HMO licensing in Tower Hamlets
Verified by a human · 10 July 2026Do you need an HMO licence in Tower Hamlets?
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Tower Hamlets property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. Tower Hamlets also runs an additional licensing scheme, so smaller HMOs may need a licence too. Check the scheme boundary before assuming a 3–4 person HMO is exempt.
Licensing schemes in force
Mandatory HMO licensing
Applies district-wide to HMOs with 5+ occupants forming 2+ households. National scheme under the Housing Act 2004, Part 2. It has no end date and never lapses.
Additional licensing
Tower Hamlets runs an additional licensing scheme covering smaller HMOs. Check whether your property falls inside the designated area.
Selective licensing
A selective licensing scheme is in force in part of Tower Hamlets. Selective licensing covers all privately rented homes in a designated area, not just HMOs.
Council summary: Mandatory licensing (all HMOs with five or more occupiers living in two or more households who share some amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom regardless of the number of storeys; self-contained flats where there are up to two flats in the block and one or both of the flats are occupied by five or more persons in two or more separate households). Additional Licensing: in force. Selective licensing: in force.
Article 4 direction
An Article 4 direction removes permitted development rights for HMO conversion in part or all of Tower Hamlets. Converting a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4) needs planning permission inside the direction area. Large HMOs of 7+ occupants are sui generis and always need permission.
“The council has confirmed an Article 4 direction. It removes the right to convert residential dwellings (C3) to small HMOs (C4). This was approved by the Mayor in Cabinet on 29 January 2020 and came into force on 1 January 2021. This direction applies to the area shown in the map and referenced as "Article 4 Direction Implementation Area".”
Licence fees (2026)
| Application | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| New licence | £1,319 | |
| Renewal | £1,319 | |
| Validity | 3 years |
Many councils split payment into two stages following the Gaskin ruling. The figures above are totals.
Track your Tower Hamlets HMO
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Start freeRoom sizes and amenity standards
| Standard | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom, 1 adult | 6.51 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, 2 adults | 10.22 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, child under 10 | 4.64 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
Local standards are where councils differ most, and they change without notice. Confirm with Tower Hamlets council before letting a room.
What you need to apply
- Gas safety certificate (CP12), current
- Electrical installation condition report (EICR), within 5 years
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting test certificates
- Floor plan with room sizes marked
- Fit and proper person declaration
- Energy performance certificate (EPC), E or above
What changed
- Page verified against current council sources.
- Renters' Rights Act commencement. Periodic tenancies noted in guidance.
Tower Hamlets HMO questions, answered plainly
Do I need an HMO licence in Tower Hamlets?+
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Tower Hamlets property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. This is the England-wide mandatory rule under the Housing Act 2004. Tower Hamlets also runs an additional licensing scheme, so smaller HMOs may need a licence too. Check the scheme boundary before assuming a 3–4 person HMO is exempt. Confirm the current position with the council before accepting tenants.
How much does an HMO licence cost in Tower Hamlets?+
A new mandatory HMO licence in Tower Hamlets costs £1,319, and renewal costs £1,319. The licence runs for 3 years. Fees change with council budgets, so confirm before applying.
Does Tower Hamlets have an Article 4 direction for HMOs?+
Yes. An Article 4 direction is in force in Tower Hamlets (or part of it), which means planning permission is required to convert a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4, up to 6 occupants). Check the exact boundary with the planning department, because directions often cover specific wards rather than the whole district.
What are the minimum room sizes for an HMO in Tower Hamlets?+
National minimums apply: 6.51m² for one adult, 10.22m² for two adults, and 4.64m² for a child under 10. Rooms under 4.64m² cannot be used for sleeping. Tower Hamlets may also apply local amenity standards for kitchens and bathrooms, so check before letting.
What happens if I run an unlicensed HMO in Tower Hamlets?+
Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is an offence under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004. The council can prosecute (unlimited fine) or issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence. Tenants can claim back up to 12 months of rent through a Rent Repayment Order, and Section 21 notices are invalid while the property is unlicensed.
Neighbouring councils
Know where your Tower Hamlets HMO stands.
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Sources
- Tower Hamlets council HMO licensing pages (checked 10 July 2026)
- Housing Act 2004, Part 2 (mandatory licensing framework)
- Licensing of HMOs (Mandatory Conditions) Regulations 2018 (room sizes)
HMOJO surfaces licensing information and shows its sources. It is not legal advice and we never certify that a property is compliant. Rules change, so confirm with Tower Hamlets council or a qualified professional before acting.