HMO Conversions in the London Borough of Enfield: Complete Guide
Converting a property into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) can be a profitable and rewarding venture. Understanding the planning requirements, licensing obligations, and housing standards is crucial to ensuring a smooth and compliant conversion.
What is a HMO?
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by three or more individuals from different households who share common amenities such as kitchens or bathrooms. Due to the higher occupancy, HMOs are subject to stricter planning and licensing controls to maintain housing standards and protect tenant welfare.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Yes — Enfield Council has introduced a borough-wide Article 4 Direction, meaning that all HMO conversions require planning permission. This measure prevents uncontrolled development and ensures properties meet essential living standards.
When submitting a planning application, key factors considered include:
Impact on the local area – No more than 20% of properties on any road should be HMOs.
Living conditions – Compliance with London Plan space standards to prevent overcrowding.
Parking and waste management – Adequate on-site parking and waste disposal solutions must be in place.
Do You Need an HMO Licence?
Yes — in addition to planning permission, all HMOs require licensing to ensure they meet health, safety, and management standards. There are two types of HMO licences in Enfield:
Additional HMO Licence – Required for smaller HMOs with three or four occupants.
Mandatory HMO Licence – Required for HMOs with five or more occupants.
Enfield’s Planning Policy
Under Enfield’s Development Management Document Policy DMD 5, HMO conversions must meet the following criteria:
Provide a high quality form of accommodation which meets internal floor space standards in the London Plan;
Not harm the residential character of the area or result in an excessive number or clustering of conversions:
Conversions must not exceed 20% of all properties along the road.
Only 1 in a row of 5 properties can be converted.
Not lead to an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance for occupiers and adjoining properties.
Provide adequate parking and waste storage arrangements that do not negatively affect the street scene.
Enfield’s HMO Standards
Enfield’s HMO Standards outlines the essential requirements for room sizes, fire safety, hygiene, and facilities. Here’s what you need to meet:
Minimum Room Sizes
Single bedroom (separate kitchen): Minimum 6.51m².
Double bedroom (separate kitchen): Minimum 10.22m².
Single room (own kitchen): Minimum 10.2m².
Double room (own kitchen): Minimum 13.9m².
Shared Facilities
Kitchen: Minimum 6m² for up to five occupants; 11m² for 6-10 occupants.
Bathrooms: One per five occupants.
Toilets: One per five occupants.
Fire Safety Requirements
Smoke alarms in all bedrooms and communal areas.
Fire doors to protect escape routes.
Adequate means of escape, as assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
Natural Lighting in Bedrooms
Windows: Each bedroom should have a clear glazed window that allows natural light to enter.
Minimum Glazed Area: The window should be at least 1/10th of the room’s floor area.
Positioning: The window must be positioned to allow adequate daylight to illuminate most of the room.
Obscured Glass: If privacy is a concern, such as in ground-floor bedrooms, obscured/frosted glass may be used while still allowing natural light in.
Heating and Ventilation
Each habitable room must be heated to at least 21°C when external temperatures drop to -1°C.
Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation must be provided.
Waste Management
Sufficient waste storage inside and outside the property.
Bins must be positioned without obstructing footways or negatively affecting the street scene.
Additional Safety and Risk Assessments
Certain areas of Enfield fall within flood risk zones, meaning that a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) may be required as part of the planning process. Additionally, Fire Risk Assessments (FRA) or Fire Safety Strategies (FSS) may also be required to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
What Happens if You Don’t Comply?
Enfield Council actively enforces HMO planning and licensing regulations. Non-compliance can result in:
Refusal of planning permission.
Enforcement notices requiring costly alterations or property closure.
Legal action and fines for unauthorised or unlicensed HMOs.
Why Choose Us for Your HMO Conversion?
Navigating HMO regulations in Enfield can be complex, but with the right expertise, you can streamline the process and maximise your investment. Our team of will:
Advise on licensing and compliance to avoid costly mistakes.
Optimise your property layout for maximum rental yield and tenant satisfaction.
Handle your planning application to ensure smooth approval.
Get in Touch
If you're considering an HMO conversion in Enfield, don’t leave it to chance. Contact us today for guidance, advice, and support to make your HMO project a success.
