London's building stock
London is the English region with the most flats. At the 2021 Census, 54.0% of London households, about 1.8 million, lived in a flat, maisonette or apartment, against 21.6% in the South East. London also had the highest share of private renting of any region, at 30.0%.
A large share of that stock is high-rise. In a May 2024 freedom of information response, London Fire Brigade reported 6,102 buildings registered on its High Rise Residential Portal. Buildings of 18 metres or 7 storeys and over carry extra duties under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and, since 6 April 2026, the Residential Evacuation Plans Regulations 2025.
Who enforces fire safety in London
London Fire Brigade inspects premises under the Fire Safety Order. It can fine a responsible person where premises are unsafe or there is no fire risk assessment, and can close premises where people are at risk until they are made safe. The Brigade does not carry out fire risk assessments for responsible persons. It publishes guidance for landlords and responsible persons.
HMO licensing varies by borough
Many London boroughs run additional or selective licensing, and the rules and end dates differ. These 4 examples show the range. Check your borough's own page before letting.
| Borough | Additional HMO licensing | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Camden | Borough-wide since 8 December 2025. HMOs with 3 or more people from 2 or more households | camden.gov.uk/hmo |
| Southwark | Borough-wide, 1 March 2022 to 1 March 2027, with a separate selective scheme | Southwark property licensing |
| Waltham Forest | Borough-wide, 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030. Selective licensing in 20 of 22 wards | Waltham Forest licensing |
| Newham | 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027, all wards except Royal Victoria and Stratford Olympic Park | Newham licensing |
Travel and turnaround in London
The fastest trains from Reading reach London Paddington in about 23 minutes, and the Elizabeth line runs from Reading through central London. London visits are booked on the same basis as Reading. Give the postcode, storeys and number of flats or rooms when you enquire and we reply with a fixed price and a visit date. The report arrives within 5 working days of the visit.
Taller London blocks often need an external wall appraisal under PAS 9980:2026. That work is outside Garrison FM's scope, and we refer you to a specialist when the assessment shows one is needed.
Sources
Checked on 9 October 2026.