Renting in London
Greater London Authority · London
Local council rules, licensing schemes, and tenant resources for renters in London.
Licensing Schemes
Active Schemes
HMO Licence Fee
Varies by borough (£500 - £1,500+)
Selective Licence Fee
Varies by borough
Estimated 1,000,000 private rented properties in the London area.
HMO Rules in London
London boroughs each set their own licensing schemes. Many have additional or selective licensing in place. Contact your specific borough council for local rules. The Renters' Rights Bill applies across London.
Check the HMO Register
Check your local borough council website
What landlords must do:
- Obtain the correct licence for the property type
- Meet minimum room sizes (6.51m2 for one person, 10.22m2 for two)
- Provide adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Install and maintain fire safety equipment
- Keep the property in good repair and free from hazards
Report a Housing Problem
If you are experiencing issues with your rented property in London, contact the council's environmental health team. They can investigate complaints about damp, mould, disrepair, overcrowding, and other hazards.
Phone
Contact via website
Contact via website
Council Website
www.london.gov.ukTenant Advice in London
Local Advice Line
Shelter London: 0344 515 1540
Free help is available from:
- Shelter (national housing charity, free advice line: 0808 800 4444)
- Citizens Advice (free, confidential advice on housing issues)
- Your local council's housing advice service
Rental Market in London
2-Bed Rent
£2,000
/month
Avg Yield
4.2%
Growth (YoY)
5.8%
Demand
Very High
Your Rights as a Renter
Whether you are renting in Londonor anywhere else in the UK, you have legal protections as a tenant. The Renters' Rights Bill strengthens these protections further.
Check a Property in London
Enter any postcode to get an instant rental safety report with EPC data, crime stats, flood risk, and more.