London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets HMO licensing: what applies and what to submit
Tower Hamlets is covered by additional HMO licensing. We supply the certificates Tower Hamlets’s licensing team typically asks to see — gas, electrical, fire safety and energy — from one visit, with reports usually issued within 24 hours.
Serving landlords, agents and property managers across Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Poplar, Canary Wharf and the rest of Tower Hamlets.
Which licence applies
Licensing schemes in Tower Hamlets
| Licence | Applies to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence | 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities | National rule; applies in Tower Hamlets and does not expire. |
| Additional HMO licence | HMOs outside the mandatory scheme | The council lists a new and renewal online application fee of £1,323. |
| Selective licence | No longer in force | The council states that from 1 October 2026 there is no selective licensing scheme in the borough. |
Scheme details for Tower Hamlets should be confirmed with the council before you apply — they change, and several fees are non-refundable once submitted.
The application
Documents Tower Hamlets typically asks to see
Most London councils ask for the same core documents. Tower Hamlets may ask for more or fewer depending on the licence type, so check its current application form. We cover every item below from one appointment, so tenants are disturbed once.
| Document | What it must show |
|---|---|
| Floor plan | Every floor level, room uses and room sizes in square metres |
| EICR | Electrical Installation Condition Report covering every circuit and consumer unit |
| Gas Safety (CP12) | Current certificate where the property has a gas supply |
| Fire alarm test certificate | Current test certificate for the installed detection system |
| Emergency lighting certificate | Where emergency lighting is fitted |
| Fire Risk Assessment | Written assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| EPC | Whole-building energy performance certificate |
Pricing
Certificate packs for Tower Hamlets HMOs
| Pack | Includes | From (up to 4 lettable rooms) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Essentials | Gas Safety (CP12), EICR, EPC | £395 |
| Full Licence Pack | Essentials plus Fire Risk Assessment, Legionella and PAT testing | £795 |
| Complete Pack | Everything above plus an asbestos management survey of common parts | £995 |
Prices are confirmed in writing before any visit is booked. Larger Tower Hamlets properties are quoted on room count. Managing 3 or more properties? Ask about portfolio pricing.
Areas we cover
Where we work in Tower Hamlets
We attend properties across Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Poplar, Canary Wharf, Bow, Mile End and the surrounding streets. Typical postcodes include E1, E2, E3, E14.
Questions
Tower Hamlets HMO licensing FAQs
Do I need an HMO licence in Tower Hamlets?
If 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, yes — a mandatory licence applies in every English borough. Smaller HMOs of 3 or 4 people may also need an additional licence in Tower Hamlets.
Which certificates should I get first?
The gas safety certificate and EICR are the most commonly requested and the most likely to hold up an application if missing or out of date. We can supply all seven documents from one visit.
How long does it take?
We confirm a fixed quote and the earliest visit the same day, and reports are usually emailed within 24 hours of the visit, formatted to attach to Tower Hamlets’s application.
Do you submit the application for me?
No. We supply the documents; the licence application is made by the licence holder or their agent.
What happens if I do not licence?
Unlicensed HMOs can face civil penalties of up to £40,000 and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 24 months’ rent for offences committed from 1 May 2026, plus possible prosecution.
Reviewed 2 October 2026 against public council information. Licensing schemes and fees change — confirm current requirements with Tower Hamlets Council (towerhamlets.gov.uk) before applying.
Request a quote
Tell us about the property
A few details and we’ll come back with a fixed quote and the earliest slot, usually the same day.