If your property is a licensable house in multiple (HMO) and you have not yet applied for a licence, please do so immediately. If you have concerns about planning status or complying with standards, our HMO Licensing Team is here to help you.

Operating that requires a licence without one is a criminal offence. We understand most landlords want to comply with the law, and we are keen to help you meet your legal obligations. However, if you fail to licence and manage your property or properties, appropriate enforcement action will be taken.

HMO related prosecutions brought by Barnet Council have resulted in fines and costs of over £200,000 in 2016 alone.*

You can check to see if your Barnet property will require a licence on the HMO page www.barnet.gov.uk/hmos and download an application form if needed. You will also be able to read the Landlord Licensing Handbook for more information on the application process and what is required.

Councillor Tom Davey, Housing Committee Chairman, said:

“We know that the majority of landlords want to make sure they are complying with the law, and the HMO Licensing Team is on hand to answer queries and concerns on licence applications. I hope as many people as possible make use of this fantastic service for advice and support.

“Barnet Council takes any breach of legal obligations by landlords very seriously, and each landlord failing to comply with the legislation has the appropriate enforcement action taken against them.”

If you are struggling with your application and need some advice, you can come to one of our landlord drop-in sessions, where our officers will be available to help you with your queries. You can call the HMO Licensing Team to book an appointment or drop-in to Barnet House from the revised time of 2.00pm to 4.30pm on Thursdays throughout November. Alternative appointments can be arranged if you are unable to make these times.

If you would like an officer to meet you at your property to help you through the licensing process, please contact the team to arrange an assisted application inspection.

Contact the team today to ensure that you meet your legal obligations as a landlord.

For more information you can contact the HMO team:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 020 8359 5355

*You can find out more about Barnet Council private housing prosecutions here: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/citizen-home/housing-and-community/private-housing/green-deal.html