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Property Licensing Guide for Kensington and Chelsea

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.

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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.

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What are the licensing requirements for Kensington and Chelsea? 

Mandatory licensing in Kensington and Chelsea

Mandatory licensing is required in Kensington and Chelsea 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 Kensington and Chelsea? 

Additional licensing expands the scope of licensing to require that all HMO properties with three or more people from more than one household must obtain a licence. 

Kensington and Chelsea operate one additional licensing which covers the entire borough, running from 1st June 2023 until 31st May 2028. 

Please note that this additional scheme also applies to section 257 HMOs. A Section 257 HMO is a building converted into self-contained flats that does not meet current Building Regulations and where more than one-third of the flats are rented out.

Do I need a selective licence in Kensington and Chelsea?

Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in a given area obtain a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed. 

Kensington and Chelsea do not currently operate any selective licensing measures.

How do I apply for a licence?

Kensington and Chelsea has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Kensington and Chelsea. Get in touch with us here to find out more.

How much does a license cost?

Mandatory licensing: Fee’s determined on application, with an estimate of up to £1,600 for an ‘average’ sized property 

Additional licensing fee: £1,290

These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of August 2024.

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What happens if I don't get a licence in Kensington and Chelsea?

Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Kensington and Chelsea , 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.

Frequently asked questions: 

Is Kensington and Chelsea planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?

As of now, Kensington and Chelsea is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes.

Why has additional licensing in Kensington and Chelsea been introduced?

Kensington and Chelsea introduced additional licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) due to significant concerns about poor housing conditions and management in the borough. The consultation revealed that 38% of respondents reported issues like disrepair and rubbish dumping in HMOs, while 32% cited a general lack of management. The scheme aims to address these issues by ensuring that all HMOs, including shared houses and converted flats, meet safety and management standards. Despite some opposition—63% of respondents disagreed with the proposal—the Council believes that additional licensing is necessary to protect tenants and improve living conditions across the borough.

What types of HMOs are most affected by Kensington and Chelsea’s additional scheme?

The scheme is particularly focused on Section 257 HMOs, which are buildings converted into flats that do not meet current Building Regulations. These properties were a major point of contention, as 56% of respondents believed they should not be included in the scheme. The difficulty in determining whether a property qualifies as a Section 257 HMO and the potential impact on owner-occupiers were key reasons for this concern.

What are the conditions to obtain a HMO licence in Kensington and Chelsea?

To obtain an HMO licence in Kensington and Chelsea, landlords must ensure their properties meet strict standards, including minimum room sizes of 8.5 square metres for single occupancy and 11 square metres for double occupancy. Properties must also have adequate facilities, such as a fully equipped kitchen, and maintain safety measures, including fire-resistant doors and appropriate fire detection systems. Additionally, landlords must provide regular maintenance of the property, conduct annual gas safety checks, and ensure the electrical installation is inspected every five years. Compliance with these conditions is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of tenants.

Kensington and Chelsea Property Licensing

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.