In a continued effort to improve housing standards within the private rented sector, Hackney Council has implemented an Additional Licensing Scheme that requires all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough to be licensed. This initiative aims to ensure tenant safety, promote responsible property management, and address substandard housing conditions.
The Additional Licensing Scheme was introduced to complement the existing Mandatory HMO Licensing, which only applies to larger HMOs. Under the mandatory scheme, only properties that are three or more storeys high and occupied by five or more unrelated individuals sharing amenities are required to be licensed. This left a significant number of smaller HMOs unregulated.
To address this gap, Hackney Council proposed a borough-wide additional licensing scheme covering all HMOs, including:
Properties occupied by two or more households sharing facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, or toilets.
Buildings converted entirely into self-contained flats that do not meet the 1991 Building Regulations standards and where more than one-third of the flats are let on short-term tenancies.
This proposal was part of a broader strategy to proactively manage housing standards in the rapidly expanding private rented sector.
The Additional Licensing Scheme came into effect on October 1, 2018. Landlords were required to apply for licenses by December 3, 2018, to avoid penalties. As of 2025, the scheme continues to be in effect, and landlords operating HMOs in Hackney must ensure they have the appropriate licenses.
Landlords must apply for an HMO license through the Hackney Council's online portal. The application process involves providing detailed information about the property, including:
Property layout and amenities.
Safety certifications (e.g., gas and electrical safety).
Management arrangements.
Applicants are also required to pay a licensing fee, which is used to cover the costs of administering and enforcing the scheme. The exact fee structure can be found on the council's website.
Licensed HMOs must adhere to specific conditions set by the council, including:
Property Standards: Ensuring the property is free from serious hazards, well-maintained, and provides adequate facilities for the number of occupants.
Safety Measures: Implementing appropriate fire safety measures, maintaining gas and electrical safety, and ensuring the property is secure.
Management Practices: Providing tenants with clear tenancy agreements, addressing tenant complaints promptly, and ensuring proper waste disposal arrangements.
Failure to comply with these conditions can result in enforcement actions, including fines or prosecution.
Navigating the complexities of HMO licensing can be challenging for landlords. Fraser Bond offers comprehensive services to assist landlords in achieving compliance with Hackney's Additional Licensing Scheme:
License Application Support: Guidance through the application process to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and promptly.
Property Compliance Assessments: Conducting thorough inspections to identify areas that require improvement to meet licensing standards.
Ongoing Management Services: Providing continuous support to maintain property standards, manage tenant relations, and ensure adherence to licensing conditions.
By partnering with Fraser Bond, landlords can confidently manage their properties within the framework of Hackney's licensing requirements, ensuring both compliance and tenant satisfaction.
For more detailed information on the Additional Licensing Scheme and application procedures, visit the Hackney Council's official website.
