London Borough of Hackney
Hackney HMO licensing: what applies and what to submit
Hackney began processing selective and additional HMO applications from 1 May 2026. Hackney is covered by new additional and selective schemes from May 2026. We supply the certificates Hackney’s licensing team typically asks to see — gas, electrical, fire safety and energy — from one visit, with reports usually issued within 24 hours.
Serving landlords, agents and property managers across Dalston, Stoke Newington, Clapton, Hackney Wick and the rest of Hackney.
Which licence applies
Licensing schemes in Hackney
| Licence | Applies to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence | 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities | National rule; applies in Hackney and does not expire. |
| Additional HMO licence | HMOs sharing facilities, outside the mandatory scheme | Hackney lists a total additional fee of £1,400 (Part A £840, Part B £560). |
| Selective licence | Privately rented homes in designated areas | Hackney lists a total selective fee of £925 (Part A £555, Part B £370). |
A property needs only one licence. The council decides which applies from the number of occupants and your location, but the fee is taken before the assessment, so check first. Send us your postcode and the number of people living there and we will tell you which one it is.
The application
Documents Hackney typically asks to see
Most London councils ask for the same core documents. Hackney may ask for more or fewer depending on the licence type, so check its current application form. We cover every item below from one appointment, so tenants are disturbed once.
| Document | What it must show |
|---|---|
| Floor plan | Every floor level, room uses and room sizes in square metres |
| EICR | Electrical Installation Condition Report covering every circuit and consumer unit |
| Gas Safety (CP12) | Current certificate where the property has a gas supply |
| Fire alarm test certificate | Current test certificate for the installed detection system |
| Emergency lighting certificate | Where emergency lighting is fitted |
| Fire Risk Assessment | Written assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| EPC | Whole-building energy performance certificate |
Pricing
Certificate packs for Hackney HMOs
| Pack | Includes | From (up to 4 lettable rooms) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Essentials | Gas Safety (CP12), EICR, EPC | £395 |
| Full Licence Pack | Essentials plus Fire Risk Assessment, Legionella and PAT testing | £795 |
| Complete Pack | Everything above plus an asbestos management survey of common parts | £995 |
Prices are confirmed in writing before any visit is booked. Larger Hackney properties are quoted on room count. Managing 3 or more properties? Ask about portfolio pricing.
Areas we cover
Where we work in Hackney
We attend properties across Dalston, Stoke Newington, Clapton, Hackney Wick, Homerton, Shoreditch and the surrounding streets. Typical postcodes include E2, E5, E8, E9, N16.
Questions
Hackney HMO licensing FAQs
Do I need an HMO licence in Hackney?
If 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, yes — a mandatory licence applies in every English borough. Smaller HMOs of 3 or 4 people may also need an additional licence in Hackney.
Which certificates should I get first?
The gas safety certificate and EICR are the most commonly requested and the most likely to hold up an application if missing or out of date. We can supply all seven documents from one visit.
How long does it take?
We confirm a fixed quote and the earliest visit the same day, and reports are usually emailed within 24 hours of the visit, formatted to attach to Hackney’s application.
Do you submit the application for me?
No. We supply the documents; the licence application is made by the licence holder or their agent.
What happens if I do not licence?
Unlicensed HMOs can face civil penalties of up to £40,000 and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 24 months’ rent for offences committed from 1 May 2026, plus possible prosecution.
Reviewed 2 October 2026 against public council information. Licensing schemes and fees change — confirm current requirements with Hackney Council (hackney.gov.uk) before applying.
Request a quote
Tell us about the property
A few details and we’ll come back with a fixed quote and the earliest slot, usually the same day.