Hackney landlords, from  1 May 2026, the council is introducing two major licensing schemes: a borough-wide Additional HMO 254 Licensing scheme and a Selective Licensing scheme covering 17 wards. Hackney opened applications for both its Selective Licensing and Additional HMO Licensing schemes on 1 March 2026, and both designations will run until 30 April 2031.

If you own or manage rental property in Hackney, this is not something to leave until the last minute. Getting it wrong can lead to enforcement action, financial penalties, rent repayment order exposure, and restrictions on serving a valid section 21 notice.

What is Changing in Hackney?

Hackney has designated:

• a borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing scheme for 254 HMOs, excluding section 257 HMOs
• a Selective Licensing scheme across 17 wards 

These are separate schemes. That matters.

Too many landlords hear “licensing” and assume one rule covers everything. It does not. Whether you need a licence depends on the type of property, the occupancy arrangement, and in some cases the ward the property sits in.

When Do The New Hackney Licensing Schemes Start?

Both schemes were designated in late November 2025 and formally dated 1 December 2025. Landlords can apply for both Selective licences and Additional HMO licences from 1 March 2026. Both schemes then come into force on 1 May 2026 and are due to remain in place until 30 April 2031. 

Hackney Additional HMO 254 Licensing 2026

Hackney’s Additional HMO 254l Licensing scheme applies to the whole borough. It covers HMOs occupied by 3 or more people forming 2 households or more, unless a statutory exemption applies. The notice also makes clear that section 257 HMOs are excluded from this designation.

That means landlords with shared houses or flats anywhere in Hackney need to check carefully whether their property falls within the scope of the scheme.

Hackney Selective Licensing 2026

Hackney’s Selective Licensing scheme does not apply borough-wide. It applies only in the following 17 wards:

• Brownswood
• Cazenove
• Clissold
• Dalston
• De Beauvoir
• Hackney Central
• Hackney Downs
• Hackney Wick
• Homerton
• King’s Park
• Lea Bridge
• London Fields
• Shacklewell
• Springfield
• Stamford Hill West
• Stoke Newington
• Victoria

What Properties Are Affected?

Additional HMO Licensing

The Additional HMO 254 Licensing scheme applies to HMOs occupied by 3 or more people forming 2 or more households, excluding section 257 HMOs, unless an exemption applies.

Selective Licensing

The Selective Licensing scheme applies to houses occupied under a tenancy or licence in the designated wards, unless exempt. The notice also makes clear that it does not apply where the property is already subject to Mandatory HMO licensing or Hackney’s Additional HMO 254 Licensing scheme.

That distinction is the part people mix up. A property in a selective licensing ward does not automatically fall under selective licensing if it is already captured by another HMO licensing regime.

Why This Matters for Hackney Landlords

If your property should be licensed and is not, you may face:

• prosecution and an unlimited fine, or
• a financial penalty of up to £40,000, and
• a potential rent repayment order claim of up to 24 Months.

The council also states that where a property remains unlicensed, a landlord may be unable to serve a valid section 21 notice.

This is not an admin issue. It is an operational risk.

What Hackney Landlords Should Do Now

Before 1 May 2026, landlords and agents with Hackney properties should:

• check whether the property is in one of the 17 selective licensing wards
• review whether the property is occupied by 3 or more people from 2 or more households
• confirm whether the property may already fall under mandatory HMO licensing or additional HMO 254 licensing
• assess whether any statutory exemption applies
• get prepared early rather than waiting for the scheme start date
• apply now if your property falls within the new scheme scope, as applications opened on 1 March 2026.

Need Help With The Upcoming Hackney Licensing Schemes?

At Yuno, we help landlords, agents and property professionals cut through licensing confusion and understand what actually applies to their property.

Whether you need help identifying the correct scheme, understanding HMO status, or getting prepared before the deadline, we can help you take a practical view of compliance.

If you would like our team’s support with your licence application, we can apply on your behalf or help you through the process. Feel free to book a free 15-minute call.

Complete our compliance checklist
Speak to a licensing expert

FAQs

Is Additional HMO 254 Licensing being introduced across the whole of Hackney?

Yes. Hackney’s Additional HMO 254 Licensing designation applies to the whole of the council’s district.

Is Selective Licensing being introduced across the whole borough?

No. The Selective Licensing scheme applies only to 17 named wards.

What HMOs are covered by Hackney’s Additional HMO 254 Licensing scheme?

HMOs occupied by 3 or more people forming 2 or more households, excluding section 257 HMOs, unless a statutory exemption applies.

When does Hackney’s new licensing scheme start?

Applications opened on 1 March 2026 for both Selective Licensing and Additional HMO Licensing. Both schemes come into force on 1 May 2026.

How long will the schemes last?

Both designations are due to remain in force until 30 April 2031.

Don’t Wait For Enforcement, Take Action Now!

Speak to a Yuno Licensing Expert

Complete Compliance Checklist to see your level of risk