Rental Property Licensing in Hackney

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.