Barnet Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2022–2027: What It Covers
Barnet runs two active HMO licensing schemes side by side: the national mandatory scheme (five or more occupants) and a local additional scheme that catches smaller shared properties. The additional scheme is the one most Barnet landlords do not expect — and the one driving the majority of enforcement action in the borough.
The Additional Scheme at a Glance
Barnet's borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing designation came into force on 27 October 2022 under Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004. It covers the entire London Borough of Barnet — every electoral ward, not just selected areas — and is due to end on 27 October 2027 unless the council revokes it earlier.
It applies to properties occupied by three or four people forming two or more households who share amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. This includes:
- Shared flats and houses let to three or four unrelated tenants
- Purpose-built flats shared by three or four occupants from separate households
- Section 257 HMOs — converted blocks of flats where the conversion did not meet 1991 Building Regulations and fewer than two-thirds of the flats are owner-occupied. Barnet's scheme covers these buildings only if the building or part is at least three storeys high, contains at least three flats, all flats are privately rented, and the building and flats are under the same ownership or control. The building itself needs a licence, held by the freeholder or head-lessee.
How It Differs From Mandatory Licensing
| Mandatory HMO | Additional HMO (Barnet) | |
|---|---|---|
| Occupants | 5 or more | 3 or 4 |
| Households | 2 or more | 2 or more |
| Geographic scope | Nationwide | Borough-wide (Barnet only) |
| Legal basis | Part 2, Housing Act 2004 + 2018 Order | Section 56, Housing Act 2004 (local designation) |
| Expiry | Indefinite (national law) | 27 October 2027 (unless revoked earlier) |
If a property has five or more occupants from two or more households, it needs a mandatory HMO licence regardless of the additional scheme. The additional scheme only adds properties that fall below the mandatory threshold.
Fees Are Identical
Both mandatory and additional HMO licences use the same fee schedule. A standard five-year new application costs £1,872 (£1,061 Stage 1 + £811 Stage 2). Renewals cost £1,677. The 10% accreditation discount applies to either scheme.
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What Happens When the Scheme Expires in 2027?
The designation has a fixed five-year life. If Barnet Council wants to continue the scheme after 27 October 2027, it must consult, designate and publish a new order. If it does not, the additional licensing obligation lapses and only mandatory HMO licensing (five or more occupants) continues.
Licences already granted under the additional scheme remain valid until their individual expiry dates, even if the designation is not renewed. A five-year licence granted in 2024 runs to 2029 regardless.
Landlords who are considering whether to apply now or wait should note that operating without a licence while the scheme is in force carries the same penalties as a mandatory offence: up to £40,000 in civil penalties and potential Rent Repayment Orders.
Check Whether Your Property Is Caught
The Barnet Landlord Licensing Guide includes a property classification worksheet that walks through occupant count, household count and building type to determine whether you need a mandatory licence, an additional licence, or neither.
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