Do I need an HMO licence in Hillingdon?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Hillingdon runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Hillingdon?

Hillingdon has one scheme in force on our register: Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 24 August 2026). It 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 Hillingdon?

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

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Hillingdon 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).

How much is an HMO licence in Hillingdon?

London Borough of Hillingdon charges £1,656 for a first mandatory HMO licence on a 5-bedroom, 5-person HMO (standard fee, no discounts, 5-year licence), checked on the council's own fee schedule on 14 October 2026. Fees change, usually each April, so confirm with the council before you apply. See how this compares with other councils in our HMO licence fees index.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Hillingdon?

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

Hillingdon HMO licensing guide

Hillingdon HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Hillingdon if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Hillingdon's own licensing scheme can also cover smaller lets (details below). London Borough of Hillingdon's standard fee is £1,656 for a 5-bedroom, 5-person HMO. Apply to London Borough of Hillingdon using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Hillingdon?

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 Hillingdon
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsNot in force in Hillingdon

Active and upcoming schemes

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

Additional HMOEffective: 24 August 2026

Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 24 August 2026)

Cabinet approved on 19 February 2026 a new borough-wide additional licensing scheme for HMOs with three or four residents from two or more households, following a public consultation that attracted over 1,000 responses with 80% in favour. Applications opened 20 May 2026; full compliance required by 24 August 2026, with licences costing £1,401 for five years.

Read the original announcement →

Consultation

Hillingdon Proposed Borough-Wide HMO Licensing Scheme

Hillingdon Council is consulting on a new borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme with a proposed fee of £1,401 (discounts available for accredited landlords).

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Hillingdon-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).

Run the free HMO checker

Licence fee: £1,656 for a first mandatory HMO licence (5-bedroom, 5-person HMO, standard fee) — council source, checked 14 October 2026. Compare HMO licence fees across 71 councils

Manage the HMO in RentFig — rooms, licensing checks, certificates.

HMO licensing in Hillingdon — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Hillingdon?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Hillingdon runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Hillingdon?: Hillingdon has one scheme in force on our register: Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 24 August 2026). It 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 Hillingdon?: 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. Hillingdon's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Hillingdon?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Hillingdon 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).
How much is an HMO licence in Hillingdon?: London Borough of Hillingdon charges £1,656 for a first mandatory HMO licence on a 5-bedroom, 5-person HMO (standard fee, no discounts, 5-year licence), checked on the council's own fee schedule on 14 October 2026. Fees change, usually each April, so confirm with the council before you apply. See how this compares with other councils in our HMO licence fees index.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Hillingdon?: HMO licence applications in Hillingdon are handled by London Borough of Hillingdon. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Hillingdon HMO?

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Hillingdon with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Hillingdon 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 Hillingdon before letting or applying for a licence.