News

Steep rise in Bromley HMO licensing fees

Thursday, October 10th, 2024 - London Property Licensing exclusive

Research by London Property Licensing has identified a steep rise in property licensing fees in the London Borough of Bromley.

In late 2023, Bromley Council’s mandatory HMO licensing fee for a five bedroom HMO occupied by five unrelated people was £1,771, with higher fees charged for larger properties. 

In the last 12 months, the mandatory HMO licence application fee for the same property has leapt by over forty percent to £2,500. Each additional bedroom is charged at an extra £500.

Whereas the fees charged last year were already above the London average, this latest increase makes Bromley Council’s HMO licensing fees the second highest in London for a five bedroom HMO, exceeded only by Lambeth. 

Richard Tacagni, MD, London Property Licensing commented:

It is difficult to comprehend how a 41% annual increase in HMO licensing fees can be justified. 

As licensing fees rise ever higher, it discourages landlords from letting shared accommodation to single people and couples who are already priced out from renting an entire house or flat.

I would encourage all councils to seek out efficiency savings to reduce costs associated with operating their property licensing schemes. Unless the upward trajectory of fees can be moderated, central government may need to step in and place a cap on property licensing fees.”  

Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in the London Borough of Bromley is available here.

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