The Complete Guide to Landlord Licensing in Hackney & Nearby Boroughs

Landlords across Hackney, Islington, Haringey and Tower Hamlets need to be fully aware of licensing requirements. Getting it right ensures legal compliance, tenant safety, and peace of mind. Avoid hefty fines and prosecution by understanding what is required in your area. 

1. Types of Licensing Explained 

Selective Licensing: Applies to private rented properties in designated areas. Often includes studios and flats. 

Additional Licensing: Targets smaller HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) not covered by mandatory schemes. 

Mandatory HMO Licensing: Necessary when your property is a large HMO (usually three or more tenants from two or more households sharing facilities). 

2. Borough by Borough Breakdown 

Hackney 

Selective and Additional: Required in many wards since 2015. 

Mandatory HMO: Applies to larger houses in multiple occupation. 

Fees & Duration: Generally £600 to £900 per licence, valid for 5 years. Renewal advice: apply 3 months early to avoid delays. 

Islington 

Selective: Applies to properties within highlighted neighbourhoods. 

Additional: Rare; mostly HMOs fall under mandatory licensing. 

Mandatory HMO: For larger shared properties. 

Tip: Always verify if your property is in a selective area via the council’s postcode checker. 

Haringey 

Selective & Additional: Covers flats, small HMOs, and some family lets in designated wards. 

Mandatory HMO: Applies borough wide. 

Latest change: Selective licensing expanded in 2024. Double check even if you have licensed before. 

Tower Hamlets 

Selective Licensing: In place across most private lets. 

Additional Licensing: Applies mainly to HMOs. 

Mandatory HMO: Required for larger shared houses. 

Watch Out: Clarity on flat level HMOs is essential. If you run a two bed flat with two households, you may need an additional licence. 

3. How to Check If You Need a Licence 

1. Identify your property type: Is it a family home, studio, flat, or HMO?
2. Determine tenant profile: Are they sharers from different households?
3. Use your council’s postcode checker. License requirements are often ward specific.
4. When in doubt, contact the licensing team for a written opinion. It is far better than assuming. 

4. How to Apply & Stay Compliant 

1. Gather documentation: 

1. Gas safety certificate 
2. Electrical safety report (EICR) 
3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
4. Floor plans (especially for HMOs) 

2. Submit application online: 

1. Pay the fee (usually £600 to £900)
2. Provide required forms, documents, and fees 

3. Prepare your property: 

1. Ensure smoke alarms, fire doors, communal lighting and extractor fans are in working order 

4. Licence inspection: 

1. Licensing officers check against standards
2. If minor problems are identified, address them swiftly. Councils normally set a deadline and re inspect. 

5. Receive your licence: 

1. The licence will come with conditions, it’s important to stick to them.
2. Apply to renew at least 3 months before expiry to avoid non licensing gaps. 

5. What Happens if You Don’t Licence 

Fines & Prosecution: Councils can fine up to £30,000 or prosecute landlords. 

Rent repayment orders: Tenants may reclaim up to 12 months of rent. 

Property designation: Council can put the property under management, charging costs back to the landlord. 

Need support? Book a free compliance review with Location Location to confirm licensing requirements and avoid costly mistakes.