HMO licensing in Hackney

Which licences a rented house needs in Hackney, and where. England. Checked 7 September 2026.

Hackney runs additional licensing and selective licensing on top of mandatory licensing.

Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Extends HMO licensing to smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) in a designated area.

StatusIn forceWherewhole boroughDesignated1 May 2026

Borough-wide additional HMO licensing for HMOs of three or four people in two or more households; designated 2025 (exact notice date not given), came into force 1 May 2026 for five years; applications processed from 1 May 2026.

Selective licensing

Every privately rented home in a designated area needs a licence, HMO or not.

StatusIn forceWherenamed wards: 17 of 21 wards (list not given on pages read)Designated1 May 2026

Selective licensing in 17 of 21 wards; designated 2025 (exact notice date not given), came into force 1 May 2026 for five years.

Council HMO page · HMO Article 4 in Hackney

Check an exact postcode for Article 4

Is a postcode inside an HMO Article 4 area?

See this on every listing.Kerbio puts the Article 4 answer, licensing, the council's HMO register and sold prices on the Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket page itself. Free for 7 days, then £39 a month.

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Sources: Hackney council, gov.uk HMO licensing. Schemes change; confirm with the council before you offer.