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 → Ealing HMO licensing guide
Ealing HMO licence — do you need one?
Ealing has 3 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.
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 31 August 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.
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.
- Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £40,000 (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026) and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 2 years' rent.
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 currently has 3 schemes 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 — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.
- 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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HMO licensing in other councils
Compare Ealing with other areas we track.
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.