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Property Licensing Guide for Camden
Camden currently operates additional licensing in 20 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.
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.
Not sure whether a Camden property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Camden property →What are the licensing requirements for Camden?
Mandatory licensing in Camden
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Camden (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 Camden?
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.
Camden operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Camden?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Camden does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 8 December 2025 to 7 December 2030 — borough-wide (all 20 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 Camden Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Camden Council’s private-sector housing pages for current HMO and additional licence fees.
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Camden Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Camden operate?
Camden operates additional licensing (8 December 2025 to 7 December 2030), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Camden 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 Camden, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Camden property licence?
You can apply through Camden 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 Camden introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Camden 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 Camden?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Camden
Licensing Enforcement in Camden
Camden 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:
