London · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Richmond upon Thames

✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Richmond upon Thames does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.

Mandatory HMO licenceRequired

Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.

Licence feeBanded by bedrooms
£1,7113 to bed

The band is set by the number of bedrooms.

Part A£1,036
Part B£675
Total, 3 to bed£1,711
5 to bed£1,827
10+ units£2,117

Richmond upon Thames — council's own published fees, read, read 19 Aug 2026

Selective licensingNot in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 19 Aug 2026): the borough HMO page (updated 24 July 2026) and its apply sub-page (updated 4 June 2026) describe only the mandatory regime, stating "If all of the following apply to your property, you must apply for a HMO licence: It has five or more occupiers comprising two or more separate households, regardless of number of storeys". No s.80 selective designation is named and no designation notice or cabinet decision 2019-2026 was found on the Richmond committee portal. Richmond's HMO administration runs through a shared Regulatory Services Hub with Merton; no Wandsworth or Merton designation is attributed to Richmond. Distinct from Richmondshire, the abolished North Yorkshire district.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 19 Aug 2026): the borough apply page names no s.56 additional designation and the fee schedule covers mandatory licences only. The page records the fee origin verbatim: "The current fee structure for a HMO licence was introduced by the Executive on 3 July 2017." Fee is two-part and banded by units: 3-bed £1,036 on application plus £675 on grant (£1,711 total); 5-bed £1,152 plus £675 (£1,827); 10+ units £1,442 plus £675 (£2,117), with "an additional pro rata fee on the same scale... for each unit of accommodation above 10". this row previously held a flat £1,200, which is not what the council publishes.

Common questions

Does Richmond upon Thames have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Richmond upon Thames does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Does Richmond upon Thames have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Richmond upon Thames does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Do I need an HMO licence in Richmond upon Thames?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Richmond upon Thames, where a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households who share basic amenities. Smaller shared houses may also need a licence where an additional licensing scheme applies.

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Source: Richmond upon Thames licensing page →

Every landlord in Richmond upon Thames also needs

A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, smoke & CO alarms, the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, and a current How to Rent guide — plus the new Section 8 possession rules since Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026.

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Landlord HQ uses AI to analyse legislation and tenancy agreements. While we work hard to ensure accuracy, AI can make mistakes. Always verify compliance requirements with a qualified solicitor. Landlord HQ is an information tool, not legal advice.

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