When does an HMO need a licence in Hammersmith and Fulham?

Nationally, a property let to 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households and sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet must hold a mandatory HMO licence — this applies in Hammersmith and Fulham as in every English council. Some councils also run additional or selective schemes covering smaller HMOs; none are in our records for Hammersmith and Fulham, but verify with the council as schemes change.

What are the minimum room sizes for a licensed HMO?

A mandatory HMO licence enforces national minimum sleeping-room floor areas: 6.51 m² for one person over 10, 10.22 m² for two people over 10, and 4.64 m² for a child under 10. A room below 4.64 m² cannot be used for sleeping. These are national statute and apply in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Hammersmith and Fulham · HMO Licensing

HMO Licensing in Hammersmith and Fulham

Mandatory licence threshold, local schemes in our records, and statutory minimum room sizes. Verify with the council before relying on it.

Mandatory HMO licence

5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households. Any HMO occupied by five or more people making up two or more separate households (sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet) must hold a mandatory HMO licence. This applies in every council in England, regardless of the number of storeys. In force since 1 October 2018. Apply for a licence via GOV.UK.

Additional & selective licensing in Hammersmith and Fulham

No additional or selective HMO licensing schemes in our records for Hammersmith and Fulham. This is not confirmation that none apply — councils introduce and renew schemes regularly. Check current designations with the council or the GOV.UK licence finder ↗ before relying on it.

Do you need planning permission?

An Article 4 direction removing permitted development rights for small HMOs (C3→C4) has been MADE in Hammersmith and Fulham but does not come into force until 14 February 2027. Converting a family home to a small HMO does not need planning permission here today — but it will from that date, so factor it into anything you are timing. Confirm the commencement date with the council. Check Article 4 directions in Hammersmith and Fulham before assuming permitted development applies.

Minimum sleeping-room sizes

National statute a mandatory licence must enforce (Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Mandatory Conditions of Licences) (England) Regulations 2018):

One person aged over 10	6.51 m²
Two people aged over 10	10.22 m²
One person aged under 10	4.64 m²
Any sleeping room	≥ 4.64 m²

Licensed HMOs must provide adequate, well-located cooking, washing and toilet facilities for the number of occupants, plus safe gas/electrics, working fire detection and proper waste storage. The exact ratios (occupants per bathroom, per WC, kitchen size) are set by each council in its own HMO amenity standards — confirm the figures with the borough before committing to a scheme.