Property Licensing Guide for Camden
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Camden Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Camden? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Camden and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Camden?
Mandatory licensing in Camden
Mandatory licensing is required in Camden if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Camden?
Additional licensing applies to HMO properties made up of three or more occupants from two or more households in a given area.
There is one additional licensing scheme which applies to all HMOs in Camden, including all properties shared by three or more people who are not all related and share facilities. The scheme runs from 08/12/2020 until 07/12/2025.
Do I need a selective licence in Camden?
Selective licensing applies to all privately rented properties in an area designated at the council’s discretion. A selective licence is required in the areas designated for all private properties, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed.
Camden council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme
How do I apply for a licence?
Camden Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Camden. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory and Additional scheme fees: £1,392.
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 24th July 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Camden?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Camden Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Licensing enforcement efforts in Camden
Camden Council has been highly proactive in enforcing licensing regulations within its private rented sector. The council has issued a significant number of Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs) as part of its enforcement strategy, leveraging these penalties to fund further enforcement actions. In the financial year from April 2023, Camden issued over £1 million in CPNs, successfully collecting £267,000. This enforcement activity includes a mix of light-touch measures like landlord education and hard-line interventions such as improvement notices and criminal prosecutions. Notably, Camden has applied all six Banning Orders recorded in the overall study, highlighting its rigorous approach to tackling non-compliance and improving housing standards for tenants
If you’re unsure as to the properties you manage may need a HMO licence in Camden, feel free to use our Camden property licence checker to receive a free licensing report.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Camden council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
No, Camden council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes.
Why has additional licensing in Camden been introduced?
Camden Council introduced additional licensing to address poor housing conditions and management standards in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Implemented in December 2015, the scheme aimed to regulate smaller HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing. This initiative targets issues such as overcrowding, poor property conditions, and ineffective management practices. The additional licensing provides the council with the necessary powers to enforce housing standards, ensuring safer and better-managed living conditions for tenants. The success of the scheme is evident in the significant property improvements and compliance among landlords
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Camden?
To obtain an HMO licence in Camden, properties must meet stringent housing standards ensuring safety and habitability. Key requirements include adequate room sizes, with minimum dimensions specified for single and double occupancy rooms, both with and without kitchen facilities. For instance, single rooms must be at least 7.1m² when a wash hand basin is installed. Properties must provide fixed space heating, capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 21°C in sleeping rooms and 18°C in other areas. Kitchens must be well-equipped, with specific dimensions for shared and exclusive use kitchens, and must include essential facilities like cookers, sinks, worktops, and sufficient storage. Fire safety measures are critical, requiring appropriate detection systems, alarm installations, and compliance with fire safety regulations. Additionally, landlords must ensure the property is fit for human habitation, addressing issues like damp, ventilation, and safe water supply
What is Camden Council's HMO enforcement policy?
Camden Council’s Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy is designed to ensure compliance with housing regulations and improve the safety and quality of rental properties. The policy outlines various enforcement measures, including the issuance of Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs) and prosecutions. CPNs can be imposed for breaches such as unlicensed HMOs, multiple housing hazards, and overcrowded properties, with fines ranging up to £30,000 depending on the severity and the landlord’s history of non-compliance. Camden has been proactive in using CPNs, making it one of the leading boroughs in London for taking enforcement actions against rogue landlords and letting agents. This rigorous enforcement approach has led to significant improvements in housing conditions and management standards within the borough, ultimately benefiting tenants’ health and safety .
