What you need to apply for a HMO licence

Find out about the licensing process for HMOs

How to apply

To apply online for a property licence you will need to set up a new landlord user account.

Create account

Information you need

You will need the following information to hand to apply:

names and addresses of person and organisations with an interest in the property
room sizes (all rooms except bathrooms, toilets and hallway/landings)
details of kitchens and bathrooms
gas safety certificate (where the property has gas)
electrical installation condition report (EICR)
fire safety certificate (where there is a mains wired fire alarm system)
emergency lighting certificate (where installed)
tenancy Agreement(s)
floor plans
energy performance certificate
payment card details.
PAT test certificate (where portable appliances that have been provided by the landlord/agent)
Accredited Landlord certificate (if the licence holder has completed the training)

See our application checklist for more details.

Completing the form

If you enter your property details correctly, the online application process will automatically calculate the type of property licence is required.
The system will save your application as you progress through the application process, allowing you to review, update and load any documents that may be required.
If you own multiple rented properties in Islington, you must complete an application for each property.
It is a criminal offence to enter fraudulent property information and doing so can result in prosecution and an unlimited fine.

If you have a particular difficulty applying online please contact us on 020 7527 3205 or email us at property.licensing@islington.gov.uk.

Who can apply for a property licence

You can apply if you are a UK resident or company based on the UK that is a:

landlord
managing agent (you must use a company email address, not a personal email, when applying)
third party.

An application for a property licence from a non-UK resident or company not based in the UK will only be considered valid if there is a managing agent based in the UK who agrees to be bound by the conditions and obligations imposed by the licence by signing a declaration to confirm this.

Suitability to hold a licence

To get a property licence, the proposed licence holder will need to demonstrate that they are a ‘fit and proper’ person. This means that they are suitable to have the responsibility of being a licence holder. You will need to make a declaration to confirm their status on criminal offences.

In determining whether an applicant is ‘fit and proper’ we must consider any evidence found that the person applying for a licence has:

committed any offence involving fraud or other dishonesty, violence, drugs and certain sexual offence
practised unlawful discrimination on the ground of sex, colour, race, ethnic or national origins or disability in connection with any business
contravened any provision of the law relating to housing or landlord and tenant law.

The applicant must also be able to demonstrate that satisfactory management and financial arrangements are in place for each rented property. Failure to meet the fit and proper person test may result in an application for a licence being refused.

Licensing fees

Licence fees will be taken in two parts.

Part A will be taken upon application and will cover the cost to process and determine the application.
Part B will be taken once we have determined to grant a licence and will cover the administration, management and enforcement of the scheme.

Mandatory HMO - Full licence fee £288 per bedroom.

Part A £162 per bedroom (£138 for accredited landlords)
Part B £126 per bedroom (£107 for accredited landlords)

Additional HMO licence - Full licence fee £288 per bedroom.

Part A £162 per bedroom (£138 for accredited landlords)
Part B £126 per bedroom (£107 for accredited landlords)

S257 HMO licence (block of flats under single ownership) – Full licence fee is £703 (whole building).

Part A £394 (£335 for accredited landlords)
Part B £309 (£262 for accredited landlords)

Selective licence - Full licence fee is £800 (whole property).

Part A £450 (£410 for accredited landlords)
Part B £350 (£315 for accredited landlords)

Please note that fees are non-refundable for submitted applications or if you decide to sell or stop letting your property. See our fees structure document for more detail.