Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hackney Council proposes licensing requirements for private rental homes to boost standards and shield tenants from rogue landlords under regulatory plans.
The measures, which were agreed by the Cabinet of Hackney Council on Monday after 14 weeks of consultation, will mandate that the majority of private landlords obtain a license for each home they own, establishing a number of minimal requirements to guarantee adequate upkeep and management.
The majority of landlords in Hackney will have to apply for a licence starting in May 2026, which will bring £1,400 for a house in multiple occupation( HMOs) and £925 for a single home. With costs established to pay the administration, examination, and monitoring needed to insure safe, high- quality residences throughout the city, the program is intended to be cost-neutral to the Council.
Through counsel, direction, and support, the program aims to improve industry standards and promote responsible landlords. It will also provide the council with more powerful tools to combat unethical behavior.
Every Hackney HMO consisting of three or more individuals from two or more houses will require a license. This increases the number of licences that are now required in the UK for five or more individuals living in two or more houses. Additionally, a selective licensing scheme has been implemented for nearly all private rental properties in 17 of Hackney’s 21 wards, or 76% of all privately rented properties. This means that these properties will require a license regardless of how many renters they have.
Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, said:
“Everyone in Hackney deserves a good, safe and secure home, and we know more must be done to make that a reality. Most landlords do the right thing, but too many renters face unacceptable conditions and poor property management. These conditions don’t just harm individual tenants, they also contribute to wider issues in Hackney – from disrepair to antisocial behaviour. We’ll use every tool we have to enforce against landlords who don’t play by these new rules and focus on building up a network of responsible landlords in the borough.’’
Councillor Sem Moema, Deputy Cabinet Member for Private Renting and Housing Affordability, said
“We’ve long campaigned for changes to the private rented sector, including a ban on section 21 no fault evictions. This new licensing scheme alongside the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act is a big step in ensuring that we can raise standards for people in privately rented homes, support responsible landlords and help our residents have safe and well managed homes.’’
Nearly one-third of Hackney’s domestic parcels are private rental homes, which are pivotal to the city’s housing force. Multitudinous landlords in Hackney offer well- kept, immorally run properties, and the private reimbursement request offers residents significant housing options.
However, a recent independent analysis of Hackney’s private rental market revealed that nearly twice as many privately rented properties as the national average may have major risks. With 30% of HMOs in the borough expected to have a major hazard three times the national average these problems are considerably more common in homes with numerous occupants.
The Council will collaborate with the landlord to address any subpar conditions discovered during monitoring and inspections.
How will proposed fees affect small landlords in Hackney?
The proposed licensing freights in Hackney are anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact on small landlords. The council proposes a figure of £925 for a picky Licence and £1,400 for an fresh HMO Licence, far advanced than former airman scheme freights and above those charged by neighbouring megalopolises like Brent, Lewisham, and Haringey.
Critics advise that similar high freights will add substantial costs, time, and executive burdens, potentially pushing lower landlords out of the private reimbursement sector. This could reduce the force of affordable rental homes and drive up rents, aggravating affordability issues.
Trade bodies recommend that Hackney lower freights to align with other London boroughs, offer abatements to landlords using accredited agents, and those who maintain high energy effectiveness norms.