Do I need an HMO licence in Harrow?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Harrow 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 Harrow?

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. Harrow's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Harrow can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Harrow?

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

Harrow HMO licensing guide

Harrow HMO licence — do you need one?

Harrow 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.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Harrow announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: Staged: 2 May 2026 / 6 July 2026 / 1 September 2026

Six New / Replacement Selective Licensing Schemes — Staged 2026 Rollout (Including Greenhill & Marlborough from 6 July 2026)

All six new selective licensing designations were made on 2 February 2026 with a staged rollout: Edgeware replacement and new Roxeth schemes from 2 May 2026; new Greenhill and Marlborough schemes from 6 July 2026; and replacement Wealdstone North and Wealdstone South schemes from 1 September 2026.

Read the original announcement →

ConsultationEffective: Consultation closed 27 February 2026; current scheme expires 5 August 2026

Proposed Renewal of Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — Consultation Closed February 2026

Harrow ran a 10-week public consultation (19 December 2025 to 27 February 2026) on renewing its borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme ahead of the current designation expiring on 5 August 2026. The proposed renewal would extend the scheme for a further five years, continuing to cover all HMOs that require additional licensing under the Housing Act 2004.

Read the original announcement →

Additional HMOEffective: From 6 August 2026 (proposed, subject to Cabinet decision)

Proposed Renewal of Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (Consultation Closed February 2026)

Harrow ran a 10-week public consultation (19 December 2025 – 27 February 2026) on renewing its borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme before the current designation expires on 5 August 2026. All HMOs requiring an additional licence under the Housing Act 2004 would be covered.

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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HMO licensing in Harrow — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Harrow?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Harrow 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 Harrow?: Harrow currently has 3 schemes on our register: Six New / Replacement Selective Licensing Schemes — Staged 2026 Rollout (Including Greenhill & Marlborough from 6 July 2026) (from Staged: 2 May 2026 / 6 July 2026 / 1 September 2026); Proposed Renewal of Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — Consultation Closed February 2026 (from Consultation closed 27 February 2026; current scheme expires 5 August 2026); Proposed Renewal of Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (Consultation Closed February 2026) (from From 6 August 2026 (proposed, subject to Cabinet decision)). 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 Harrow?: 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. Harrow's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Harrow?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Harrow can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Harrow?: HMO licence applications in Harrow are handled by London Borough of Harrow. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

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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 London Borough of Harrow before letting or applying for a licence.