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Property Licensing Guide for Barnet
Barnet currently operates additional licensing in 24 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
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.
Barnet Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Barnet? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Barnet 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.
Not sure whether a Barnet property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Barnet property →What are the licensing requirements for Barnet?
Mandatory licensing in Barnet
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Barnet (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming 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 Barnet?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Barnet operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Barnet?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Barnet does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 27 October 2022 to 26 October 2027 — borough-wide (all 24 wards).
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Barnet Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Barnet Council sets the following licence fees:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory and additional HMO | £1,872 for up to 5 units of accommodation over a 5-year licence (Fee 1 £1,061 + Fee 2 £811), plus £37 per additional unit. A 10% discount on Fee 1 applies to accredited landlords and charities. |
| Selective (Burnt Oak, Colindale North and Colindale South) | £774 per property. |
Fees are set by the council and can change — check Barnet Council’s fees and charges page for the latest figures.
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Barnet Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Barnet operate?
Barnet operates additional licensing (27 October 2022 to 26 October 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Barnet need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Barnet, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Barnet property licence?
You can apply through Barnet Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Barnet introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Barnet introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Barnet?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Barnet
Barnet is a large suburban borough in North London, known for its diverse communities, green spaces, and historic landmarks. It is one of London’s largest boroughs by population and covers a wide area stretching from the bustling suburban towns of Finchley and Hendon to quieter, more rural villages like Totteridge. The area is characterised by a mix of residential neighbourhoods, parks, and nature reserves, such as the iconic Hampstead Heath Extension and Trent Park.
Barnet is also home to several notable cultural and educational institutions, including Middlesex University. With excellent transport links to central London and a range of shopping and leisure amenities, Barnet offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity, attracting families, students, and professionals alike.
Licensing Enforcement in Barnet
Barnet Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
Neighbouring borough guides
Licensing schemes stop at the borough boundary — a property one street over can need a different licence. Guides for the neighbouring boroughs:
