Hackney Council Approves Two New Licensing Schemes for Private Landlords

Summary: From May 2026, most landlords in Hackney will be required to obtain a licence to rent out their properties due to the introduction of two new licensing schemes. The council aims to improve housing standards and tackle poor management, but landlords face increased fees and stricter enforcement.

Introduction of Borough-Wide Additional and Selective Licensing

Hackney Council has voted to implement two significant landlord licensing schemes affecting the majority of privately rented homes within the borough. These include a borough-wide additional licensing scheme and a selective licensing scheme covering 17 out of 21 wards, which accounts for approximately 76% of the private rented sector (PRS) in Hackney.

Under these schemes, landlords will need to secure a licence for their properties regardless of the number of tenants residing there. This is a notable expansion compared to previous arrangements and aims to bring more properties under regulatory oversight.

Licensing Fees and Comparison with Neighbouring Boroughs

The selective licence fee has been set at £925, a substantial increase from the £500 charged during Hackney’s earlier pilot scheme. This fee is also considerably higher than those in neighbouring London boroughs such as Brent, Lewisham, and Haringey. Additionally, the borough-wide additional licence will cost landlords £1,400.

During the consultation period, Propertymark, the professional body for letting agents, expressed concerns that the high fees and overlapping schemes could lead to increased rents and force smaller landlords out of the market. Despite these objections, the council did not reduce the fees to align with those of comparable boroughs.

Council’s Aims: Raising Standards and Supporting Responsible Landlords

Hackney Council emphasises that the new licensing schemes are designed to raise housing standards across the borough. The council intends to support responsible landlords by providing advice, guidance, and assistance, while also strengthening enforcement powers to tackle poor property management and substandard living conditions.

Mayor Caroline Woodley stated, “Most landlords do the right thing, but too many renters face unacceptable conditions and poor management. These issues not only harm tenants but also contribute to wider problems in Hackney, such as disrepair and antisocial behaviour. We will use every tool available to enforce the new rules and build a network of responsible landlords.”

Context: Private Rented Sector and Housing Conditions in Hackney

Private rented homes constitute nearly one-third of all residential properties in Hackney. However, an independent review of the borough’s PRS revealed that a significant proportion of these properties contain serious hazards, nearly twice the national average. The situation is particularly concerning in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), where approximately 30% are predicted to have serious hazards—three times the national average.

This data underlines the council’s rationale for introducing the licensing schemes as a means to improve tenant safety and property standards.

Implications for Landlords

Landlords in Hackney should prepare for the new licensing requirements coming into effect in May 2026. The increased fees and expanded coverage mean that many landlords who were previously exempt may now need to apply for licences. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, including fines.

It is advisable for landlords to review their portfolios, ensure their properties meet the required standards, and budget for the licensing fees. Engaging with the council’s guidance and support services may help landlords navigate the new regulatory landscape effectively.

Further Information and Support

Landlords can find more information about the licensing schemes and application processes on Hackney Council’s official website. Additionally, professional bodies such as Landlord Association offer resources and advice to help landlords comply with licensing and other regulatory requirements.

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