Property licensing

Property licensing helps us to regulate the condition and management of private rented properties in Hackney. Find out about the types of licences available and how to apply for them.

 

Have your say on proposals to introduce landlord licensing

We are consulting on the proposals for 2 new discretionary licensing schemes.

Additional licensing

This covers smaller HMOs occupied by 3 or 4 people who:

  • are not members of the same household
  • share facilities such as a kitchen and a bathroom

This licence also includes properties that were converted into self-contained flats, but the conversion work wasn’t carried out following the Building Regulations 1991.

Selective licensing

This licence is for single and 2-person household properties or a single family.

Have your say

Types of licence

The only landlord licensing scheme currently running in Hackney is the mandatory licensing scheme.

This applies to privately rented houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) in the borough which:

  • have 5 or more people living in them
  • make up 2 or more households

If you don’t have a valid licence, you could get an unlimited fine. You might also get a rent repayment order.

The previous selective and additional licensing schemes have now closed.

Apply for a mandatory property licence

A landlord, managing agent or a third party can apply.

Before you apply

You must comply with the ‘licensing conditions’ which ensure the home you’re renting is properly managed and meets acceptable standards:

You need to provide some documents and information when applying:

Apply for a property licence

Apply for a property licence

If you have difficulty applying online, call 020 8356 4866 or email property.licensing@hackney.gov.uk.

Steps after you apply

  • All information and documents submitted with the application are reviewed to ensure they are valid and complete.

    The review comprises:

    • ensuring that information submitted meets minimum requirements
    • the correct licence fee has been paid
    • checks that an appropriate person has been proposed to be the licence holder
    • Land Registry checks to ensure all known interested parties are noted in the licence application
    • fit and proper person test

    If the information submitted doesn’t meet the requirements for the issue of a draft licence we contact the applicant.

  • An inspection of the property may be undertaken and a copy of the draft licence is posted to all known interested parties, such as co-owners and mortgage providers.

    There is a 21 day period where a representation can be made by interested parties. If a representation is received it’s investigated by private sector housing officer.

    An inspection won’t always be done prior to issue of the licence. However, in all cases an inspection will be carried out during the period of the licence.

  • If there are no representations, or all representations are resolved satisfactorily, a licence is issued to all known interested parties.

Rent repayment order

Rent repayment orders allow tenants to claim back up to 12 months’ rent, housing benefit or universal credit when the landlord has committed an offence.

The housing charity Shelter has lots of information about rent repayment orders, including:

Page updated on: 12 June 2025

Property Licensing

Address

Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
London
E8 1DY

Telephone

Opening times

  • Mon to Fri, 9am - 4pm