Tenants of a house in multiple occupation

An HMO is a house that is occupied by people who do not form a single household. Examples include:

  • a house let as individual bed sitting rooms
  • a group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
  • hostels, some hotels, guesthouses
  • lodgings, and shared houses
  • houses converted into self-contained flat.

Check the Barnet HMO guidance leaflet (PDF, 862 KB)

HMO licensing

All Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough are required to be licensed, unless they fall within certain exempted categories. The License should be displayed within your property, if it is not please contact us:

HMO Licensing Team

Environmental Health 
London Borough of Barnet,
2 Bristol Avenue,
London NW9 4EW

Tel: 020 8359 5355

Email: hmos@barnet.gov.uk

Report an unlicensed HMO

If you know of a HMO which is licensable but has not been licensed, or does not meet licensing conditions you can report it by ringing 020 8359 5355 or by emailing the property address, and any further details to hmos@barnet.gov.uk.

Problems in your HMO

Your landlord should maintain your HMO in line with Barnet Council's HMO standards and other minimum conditions laid out in law. HMOs are regularly inspected and if conditions in the properties are not up to our standards, enforcement action may be taken which could result in a penalty.

If you have a problem in your property:

  • first inform the landlord giving them a chance to put the situation right.
  • If this doesn't help you, you can contact the Private Sector Housing Team who may be able to help.

Private Sector Housing Team

Environmental Health 
London Borough of Barnet,
2 Bristol Avenue,
London NW9 4EW

Tel: 020 8359 7995

Email: housingconditions@barnet.gov.uk