Date Published 16 June 2026
Acquire Estate Agents has successfully secured a significant increase in permitted occupancy at a licensed HMO following a First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
The case concerned a property where Southwark council in south London originally granted an HMO licence in 2024 permitting occupation by only two persons from two households.
Following representations made by Acquire and a subsequent review by the council, the permitted occupancy was increased to four persons from three households.
Following a further inspection, review and Tribunal proceedings, the licence was ultimately varied to permit occupation by four persons from four households, representing a 100% increase in the property's permitted occupancy compared with the original licence.
The First-tier Tribunal has determined that the licence should permit occupation by four persons from four households, subject to a condition requiring the provision of dedicated lockable storage for the exclusive use of one bedroom occupant.
The appeal concerned the appropriate assessment of occupancy levels within licensed HMOs and the application of local housing standards to the particular characteristics of an individual property.
Acquire director Aaron Nguyen Lu says: 'This case demonstrates the importance of ensuring that licensing decisions are based upon a full assessment of the individual property and all relevant information available.
'The property's permitted occupancy ultimately increased from two households to four households following further review, inspection and Tribunal proceedings.
'Whilst every property must be assessed on its own facts, landlords and agents should ensure that licensing decisions accurately reflect the accommodation available and should not hesitate to engage constructively with local authorities where concerns arise.
'We welcome the outcome and the opportunity the appeal process provides to ensure that licensing decisions are properly scrutinised and reviewed where appropriate.'
The firm says the decision highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue between landlords, managing agents and local authorities during the HMO licensing process and demonstrates how licensing decisions may evolve where additional information, inspections or evidence become available.
https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/06/agency-wins-tribunal-case-on-hmo-occupancy-level/
