HMO Licence Electrical Requirements in London

If you let a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in London, the electrics are one of the first things the council looks at when you apply for or renew a licence. This guide sets out what is normally required, what licence conditions often add on top, and how to get the paperwork in order before an inspection.

Which HMOs need a licence

In England, an HMO let to five or more people forming two or more households needs a mandatory licence. Many London boroughs also run additional licensing for smaller HMOs, and some run selective licensing that covers ordinary single lets in certain wards. Each council publishes its own schemes and conditions, so check your borough before you apply.

The electrical safety report (EICR)

Every privately rented home in England, HMOs included, must have the fixed wiring inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. You must give a copy of the report to each tenant and to the council if asked. When you apply for an HMO licence, a current satisfactory EICR is one of the standard documents requested.

• If the report has any C1, C2 or FI codes, it is unsatisfactory and the remedial work must be done within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
• Keep written confirmation of the repairs with the original report. The council can ask for both.
• Shared areas matter: landlord supplies to hallways, stairs, kitchens and communal lighting are part of the inspection.

Fire alarms and emergency lighting

HMOs carry a higher fire risk than single lets, so licence conditions usually go further than the basic smoke alarm rules. In practice councils often expect:

• A mains powered, interlinked fire detection system, with the grade and coverage set by the size and layout of the property.
• Heat detection in kitchens and smoke detection in escape routes and, in many cases, bedrooms.
• Regular testing and a written record, plus a periodic inspection certificate for the alarm system.
• Emergency lighting on escape routes in larger HMOs, especially where the stairs have no natural light.

Appliances and PAT testing

PAT testing is not a general legal requirement for landlords, but many HMO licence conditions and letting agents ask for it where the landlord supplies appliances such as kettles, microwaves, washing machines or fridges. A dated test record is the simplest way to show those appliances are safe.

Getting ready for a licence application or inspection

• Book the EICR early, so there is time to fix anything coded before the council visits.
• Have the fire alarm system tested and certified at the same time.
• Check that each room has enough sockets, so tenants do not rely on extension leads.
• Keep every certificate together, with dates, so renewal is straightforward.

HMO electrical certificates in London

Energy North is a registered electrical contractor working across North, East and West London since 2017, with City & Guilds certified electricians. We carry out EICR certificates for HMOs and landlords, fix remedial items, and test fire alarm systems, with the report emailed the same day. If you are adding a charge point for tenants or a shared driveway, we also handle EV charger installation.

Read next

Got codes on your report? See what a C2 on an EICR means and how it is fixed.