Rental Property Licensing in Islington

Islington is a central north London borough with a large private rented sector. The borough covers areas including Angel, Highbury, Holloway, Finsbury Park, and Archway, all of which have significant concentrations of privately rented properties. Islington has been active in using licensing powers to improve standards in the private rented sector.

Selective licensing in Islington

Islington Council operates a selective licensing scheme covering privately rented accommodation occupied by a single household or two unrelated people. The scheme applies to designated areas within the borough and requires landlords of qualifying properties to obtain a selective licence.

The selective licensing scheme is designed to address issues such as poor property management, anti-social behaviour, and below-standard housing conditions. Landlords who rent out properties in the designated areas without a licence face civil penalties of up to £30,000.

Additional licensing for HMOs in Islington

Islington also operates an additional licensing scheme for HMOs occupied by three or more people forming two or more households. This scheme covers a wider range of shared properties than mandatory licensing alone and applies across designated parts of the borough.

Landlords of shared houses and flats with three or four occupants should check whether their property falls within the additional licensing designation and whether a licence is required.

Mandatory HMO licensing

Properties in Islington occupied by five or more people forming two or more households, with shared facilities, are subject to mandatory HMO licensing under national legislation. This requirement applies across the whole borough.

How to apply

Licence applications in Islington are made through the council's online portal. For current information on designated areas, licence fees, and conditions, visit the London Borough of Islington private rented sector licensing page.