Do I need an HMO licence in Islington?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Islington runs 2 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 Islington?

Islington currently has 2 schemes on our register: Islington Selective Licensing Scheme (Multiple Wards, 2026) (from Early 2026); Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — Renewal (Borough-Wide, from 1 February 2026) (from 1 February 2026). 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 Islington?

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

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Islington 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 Islington?

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

Islington HMO licensing guide

Islington HMO licence — do you need one?

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

SelectiveEffective: Early 2026

Islington Selective Licensing Scheme (Multiple Wards, 2026)

Islington Council launched a new selective licensing scheme covering multiple wards in early 2026, following consultation completed in late 2025. Private landlords in designated areas must obtain a selective licence.

Read the original announcement →

Additional HMOEffective: 1 February 2026

Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — Renewal (Borough-Wide, from 1 February 2026)

Islington Council renewed its borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing scheme following an Executive decision on 23 October 2025; the renewed scheme came into force on 1 February 2026.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Islington-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 Islington — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Islington?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Islington runs 2 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 Islington?: Islington currently has 2 schemes on our register: Islington Selective Licensing Scheme (Multiple Wards, 2026) (from Early 2026); Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — Renewal (Borough-Wide, from 1 February 2026) (from 1 February 2026). 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 Islington?: 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. Islington's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Islington?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Islington 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 Islington?: HMO licence applications in Islington are handled by London Borough of Islington. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Islington with other areas we track.

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