Hackney Council's borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme and 17-ward selective licensing scheme came into force on 1 May 2026. Landlords letting properties in Hackney without a licence are now exposed to civil penalties of up to ?40,000 and Rent Repayment Orders covering up to two years' rent.
New additional and selective licensing schemes started on 1 May 2026 in Hackney. The additional licensing scheme starts on 1 May 2026, continues for five years, and applies borough wide.
It extends licensing to most Houses in Multiple Occupation including shared accommodation and bedsit-HMOs occupied by three or four people. The only exemption is so-called Section 257 HMOs, which are certain buildings converted into self-contained flats.
The selective licensing designation was made on 1 December 2025, came into force on 1 May 2026, and will cease to have effect on 30 April 2031.
In Hackney, a selective licence is required where a property is occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers in seventeen council wards, including Brownswood, Cazenove, Clissold, Dalston, De Beauvoir, Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Hackney Wick, Homerton, King's Park, Lea Bridge, London Fields, Shacklewell, Springfield, and others. The selective licensing scheme starts on 1 May 2026 and continues for five years.
Hackney Council charges a selective licence application fee of ?925, payable in two instalments. Under the additional and selective licensing schemes, there is a ?100 discount for accredited landlords and a discount of at least ?50 for properties with an EPC rating of A to C.
With the RRA 2025 increasing the maximum civil financial penalty for a licensing offence to ?40,000, and rent repayment orders being extended to two years, it is vital that landlords comply with new licensing schemes.
If a landlord fails to have a licence after 1 May 2026, tenants can apply for a Rent Repayment Order to reclaim up to 24 months' rent. Landlords who are overseas-based must ensure they have a UK-based managing agent who holds legal responsibility for all licence conditions before an application can be accepted.
Action required
If you let a property in Hackney, check immediately whether it falls in one of the 17 selective licensing wards or is a 3?4 person HMO requiring additional licensing. Apply for the appropriate licence without delay. Applications for selective and additional HMO licences are being processed from 1 May 2026. Fees are ?925 (selective) and ?1,400 (additional HMO). A ?100 discount applies for accredited landlords and at least ?50 for EPC A?C properties.
Effective
2026-05-01
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify information against the original source and seek independent professional guidance before acting on any regulatory matter.