A Labour council in Hackney is set to receive millions of pounds from landlords under a new, expanded licensing scheme that will cover the majority of privately rented homes in the borough.
Starting next May, most privately rented properties will require a licence to be legally let, increasing oversight of the rental market. The borough is estimated to have around 39,493 privately rented homes, although the council’s current database contains just over 10,000 landlords and agents, drawn from existing schemes.
Under the new rules, landlords will pay £925 for a single property licence, while houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) will cost £1,400 to licence. These fees are designed to fund enforcement and support improved property standards across the borough.
All HMOs with three or more tenants from two or more households will now require a licence. Previously, mandatory licensing only applied to HMOs with five or more tenants from multiple households. This expansion reflects Hackney’s effort to better regulate smaller HMOs.
Additionally, a selective licensing scheme will cover almost all privately rented homes in 17 of Hackney’s 21 wards, representing approximately 76% of privately rented properties. The remaining four wards will be subject to additional licensing requirements.
A council spokesperson stressed the importance of raising standards throughout the rental sector. “Everyone in Hackney deserves a safe and secure home,” they said. “While most landlords follow the rules, many renters continue to face poor conditions and substandard property management.”
They added that poorly managed properties do not only affect individual tenants but also contribute to broader community issues, including disrepair and antisocial behaviour.
The council intends to actively enforce the new rules, focusing on landlords who fail to comply. At the same time, it aims to encourage a network of responsible landlords committed to providing safe and well-managed homes.
This expanded licensing initiative forms part of a wider strategy to reform Hackney’s private rental sector. The council has also campaigned against section 21 no-fault evictions and welcomed the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act.
Officials say the combination of measures will help improve housing standards, protect tenants, and support landlords who follow the rules, creating a safer and more reliable rental market.
Private rented homes account for nearly one-third of all residential properties in Hackney, playing a vital role in accommodating residents across the borough.
Recent independent research into Hackney’s rental sector revealed concerning conditions in many properties. The study found a higher proportion of serious hazards compared to the national average, highlighting the need for stricter regulation.
Hazardous conditions were particularly prevalent in HMOs, with around 30% predicted to contain serious risks, roughly three times the national average. This demonstrates the scale of the challenge for landlords and regulators alike.
By enforcing these new licensing requirements, Hackney Council aims to reduce risks and ensure tenants live in safe, well-maintained homes. The policy also provides clear expectations for landlords operating within the borough.
Overall, the expanded licensing scheme marks a significant step towards improving the borough’s rental market. It seeks to balance tenant protection with support for responsible landlords, ensuring a safer and more accountable private rental sector in Hackney.
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