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Property Licensing Guide for Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea currently operates additional licensing in 18 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.
Kensington and Chelsea Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Kensington and Chelsea? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Kensington and Chelsea 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 Kensington and Chelsea?
Mandatory licensing in Kensington and Chelsea
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Kensington and Chelsea (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 Kensington and Chelsea?
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.
Kensington and Chelsea operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Kensington and Chelsea?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Kensington and Chelsea does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028 — borough-wide (all 18 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 Kensington and Chelsea Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea charges the same fee for mandatory and additional HMO licences:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory and additional HMO | £1,493 in total — Part A (application) £1,004 + Part B (grant) £489 — plus £72 per room beyond 5 units. |
Discounts: £200 off for accredited landlords (LLAS/NRLA), and £30 off per application for bulk applications (4+ HMOs from the same landlord or agent). Fees are set by the council and can change — check RBKC’s licence-fees page for the latest figures.
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Kensington and Chelsea Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Kensington and Chelsea operate?
Kensington and Chelsea operates additional licensing (1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Kensington and Chelsea 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 Kensington and Chelsea, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Kensington and Chelsea property licence?
You can apply through Kensington and Chelsea 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 Kensington and Chelsea introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Kensington and Chelsea 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 Kensington and Chelsea?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea, a royal borough in inner London, is known for its affluent residential areas, historical landmarks, and cultural institutions. Established in 1965 through the amalgamation of Chelsea and Kensington, the borough includes notable areas like Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, and Chelsea. It boasts iconic sites such as Kensington Palace, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Natural History Museum. The borough’s economy is driven by high-end retail, hospitality, and cultural tourism, while its public spaces, including Holland Park and Ranelagh Gardens, offer green escapes in this densely populated area. The annual Notting Hill Carnival is a major cultural highlight.
Licensing Enforcement in Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea 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:
