Selective Licensing in Hackney: Schemes, Fees and Dates
Check if your Hackney rental property needs a selective or HMO licence. Covers active licensing schemes, fees, and how to check your property.
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Hackney operates both selective and additional licensing schemes, meaning a wide range of privately rented properties in the borough need a licence. If you own or manage a rental property in Hackney, here is what applies to you.
Selective licensing in Hackney
Hackney's selective licensing scheme covers 17 specific wards: Brownswood, Cazenove, Clissold, Dalston, De Beauvoir, Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Hackney Wick, Haggerston, Homerton, King's Park, Leabridge, London Fields, Shacklewell, Springfield, Stamford Hill West and Stoke Newington.
Within these wards, most privately rented properties need a selective licence. This includes properties rented to a single household, a single tenant, or two individuals sharing. The scheme was expanded in 2024, so even if you checked previously, it is worth confirming whether your property is now included.
A selective licence is required if you rent out your property to a single household, a single tenant or two individuals sharing, and the property is in one of the designated wards.
Additional licensing for HMOs
Hackney also operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs. This covers properties occupied by three or more people from two or more separate households who share facilities. The additional scheme runs alongside selective licensing, so some properties may need to consider both.
Mandatory HMO licensing
As with all councils in England, Hackney enforces mandatory HMO licensing for properties with five or more tenants from two or more households sharing facilities. This is a national requirement under the Housing Act 2004.
What happens if you do not have a licence
Operating a licensable property without a licence in Hackney can result in a civil penalty of up to £30,000. Tenants may also be able to apply for a Rent Repayment Order. The council actively pursues unlicensed landlords and has a dedicated team for enforcement.
How to check if your property needs a licence
Hackney Council has an online checker at hackney.gov.uk/check-which-property-licence-you-need. You can also use Tuxa to get an immediate answer for any address in the borough.
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Tuxa monitors licensing scheme data across England. Use the search above to check any property in Hackney or anywhere else in the country.
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This page was researched and written by the Tuxa editorial team. Our data is sourced directly from local authority websites, MHCLG scheme designation orders, and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). We update our content when councils announce new schemes or enforcement actions. If you spot an error or out-of-date information, please contact us.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Related Guides
Quick facts
- Typical licence fee
- £750–£1,100 per property (5-year licence)
- Apply for a licence
- Council application portal
- Neighbouring councils
Frequently asked questions
Licensing data sourced from individual council websites and the MHCLG licensing register. Last verified: . Always confirm current scheme status with the council directly before making licensing decisions.
Licensing guides
Does my rental property need a licence?
Find out whether your property needs a selective, additional or HMO licence.
What is selective licensing?
How selective licensing works, which councils operate schemes, and who needs a licence.
What is HMO licensing?
Mandatory HMO licensing explained: who it applies to and how to apply.
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