Do I need an HMO licence in Ealing?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Ealing runs 3 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Ealing?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Ealing's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Ealing?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Ealing can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Ealing?

HMO licence applications in Ealing are handled by London Borough of Ealing. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Ealing HMO licensing guide

Ealing HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Ealing if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Ealing's 3 licensing schemes can also cover smaller lets (details below). London Borough of Ealing sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to London Borough of Ealing using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Ealing?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedIn force in Ealing
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Ealing · See selective licensing in Ealing

Ealing has an open consultation on property licensing — the position above may change if a new scheme is confirmed.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Ealing announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 22 October 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027

Ealing Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing

Borough-wide additional licensing covering all HMOs with 3+ people from 2+ households not under mandatory licensing.

Read the original announcement →

SelectiveEffective: 1 April 2022 (5 years)

Ealing Selective Licensing Scheme 1 — Southall & East Acton

Selective licensing covering East Acton, Southall Broadway and Southall Green (pre-May 2022 boundaries).

Read the original announcement →

SelectiveEffective: 3 January 2023 (5 years)

Ealing Selective Licensing Scheme 2 — 12 wards

Selective licensing covering Acton Central, Dormers Wells, Greenford Broadway, Greenford Green, Hanger Hill, Hobbayne, Lady Margaret, North Greenford, Northolt Mandeville, Northolt West End, Perivale and South Acton (pre-May 2022 boundaries).

Read the original announcement →

ConsultationEffective: Consultation open 15 July 2026 – 24 September 2026

Proposed Renewal of Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from April 2027)

Ealing Council opened a public consultation on 15 July 2026 (closing 24 September 2026) on renewing its borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme when the current scheme expires on 31 March 2027; the proposed replacement would cover smaller HMOs of 3 or 4 people from more than one household for a further five years from April 2027.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Ealing-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Letting an unlicensed HMO can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 (up from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026) or prosecution, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

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HMO licensing in Ealing — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Ealing?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Ealing runs 3 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Ealing?: Ealing has 3 schemes in force on our register: Ealing Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing (from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027); Ealing Selective Licensing Scheme 1 — Southall & East Acton (from 1 April 2022 (5 years)); Ealing Selective Licensing Scheme 2 — 12 wards (from 3 January 2023 (5 years)). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Ealing?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Ealing's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Ealing?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Ealing can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Ealing?: HMO licence applications in Ealing are handled by London Borough of Ealing. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Ealing schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with London Borough of Ealing before letting or applying for a licence.