SelectiveEffective: May 2026
Hackney Selective & Additional Licensing (17 wards)
Borough-wide additional licensing and selective licensing covering 17 wards, coming into force 1 May 2026.
Read the original announcement → Hackney HMO licensing guide
HMO licence in Hackney — do I need one?
Hackney has 1 licensing scheme 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.
Active and upcoming schemes
Sourced from Hackney announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.
National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)
Regardless of any Hackney-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 £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Hackney schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Hackney Council before letting or applying for a licence.