Harrow HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Harrow — do I need one?

Harrow has 2 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.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Harrow announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Consultation

Harrow Additional HMO Licensing Consultation

Consulting on renewing additional HMO licensing scheme. Consultation ran 19 Dec 2025 to 27 Feb 2026.

Read the original announcement →
SelectiveEffective: 2026-02-02

Harrow Six New Selective Licensing Areas (2026)

Harrow Council designated six new selective licensing areas on 2 February 2026, with a staged implementation timeline through 2026. Landlords with properties in these designated areas must apply for a selective licence.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Harrow-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 Harrow schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Harrow Council before letting or applying for a licence.