Hackney plans to launch selective licensing in 17 of its 21 wards as well as a borough-wide additional licensing scheme.
Its consultation suggests that fees could be set at up to £925 for a single home and £1,400 for small HMOs but promises that both schemes would be cost neutral, with fees covering running costs and inspections.
Currently, 32% of Hackney’s housing stock is in the PRS, one of the highest proportions in London, and is expected to continue to rise. A recent independent review of the borough’s PRS found that a significant proportion of homes (17%) may contain serious hazards - above the national average of 10%. These issues were even more prevalent in HMOs, with 30% predicted to have a serious hazard.
Its similar previous schemes ended in 2023, including a pilot selective licensing scheme in three wards (Brownswood, Stoke Newington and Cazenove). Nearly 4,000 properties were licensed under the additional HMO scheme and 2,692 under the selective scheme.
It explains that the 17 wards in the proposed selective scheme were picked because of the high proportion of private rented properties and poor housing conditions. The scheme would also be used to champion landlords who do the right thing and would offer guidance and support.
“We know most landlords do the right thing but some of the conditions private tenants face are unacceptable and potentially dangerous,” says mayor Caroline Woodley (main iomage).
“That is why we take strong enforcement action where we can, and why we’re proposing to introduce this new licensing scheme, which would allow us to regulate the majority of private rented homes in the borough and build a network of responsible landlords.”
The consultation is open until 21st September and both schemes could be implemented early in 2026.
Last year – before the Renters’ Rights Bill was announced - the council promised landlords financial support to stay in the PRS while beefing up licensing and getting tough on short-term lets.
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