Have your say on proposals to introduce property licensing
Overview
We’re proposing to introduce a new Property Licensing Scheme for landlords across Hackney to raise standards in the private rented sector. We’re consulting on these plans and want to hear from renters, landlords, letting agents, businesses, and others with an interest in the borough.
You can complete the consultation questionnaire here – or scroll to the bottom of this page where the link appears again. We encourage you to read the background information below before sharing your views.
Almost 1 in 3 homes in Hackney are privately rented. While many landlords provide safe and well-maintained properties, too many renters still face unacceptable conditions, from serious hazards to poor property management. Licensing is one of the most effective tools the Council has to improve housing conditions, tackle anti-social behaviour and protect tenants.
We’re proposing:
- A borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme, covering Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), with three or four people from two or more households
- A Selective Licensing Scheme for privately rented properties occupied by one or two people, or a single family household, in 17 out of 21 wards
These schemes would run for five years and ensure landlords meet proper standards. We want to hear from renters, landlords, letting agents, businesses and others with an interest in Hackney.
Supporting documents
We’ve published a full set of documents to help you understand the proposals and the evidence behind them. These include our proposed conditions, fees and discounts and the wards affected.
You can read the full evidence base and download the following documents:
- Additional HMO and Selective Licensing Consultation Evidence Pack (3.8 MB, PDF) (Case Study 1 was updated on 29 July 2025 following internal review. Minor factual corrections were made to clarify the legal process described in that case. The update does not affect the overall message, conclusions or the consultation evidence base.)
- Appendix 1 - PRS and HMO: Housing Stock Condition and Stressors Report (6.2MB, PDF)
- Appendix 2 - Proposed Selective Licence Conditions (337.2KB, PDF)
- Appendix 3 - Proposed Additional Licensing Conditions (3382.6KB, PDF)
- Appendix 4 - Proposed Schedule of Fees, Charges and Discounts (230.5KB, PDF)
- Appendix 5 - Landlord Licensing Consultation Equality Review (75.3KB, PDF)
- Map showing proposed selective licensing area (481.1KB, PNG)
- Map showing proposed additional licensing area (479.4KB, PNG)
- Landlord licensing consultation FAQs (269 KB, PDF)
These documents are intended to support informed responses and reflect the legal and practical basis for the proposed schemes.
Why your views matter
Your feedback will help us decide whether to introduce these licensing schemes and, if so, how they should be implemented. Whether you’re a private renter, landlord, letting agent or local resident, this is your opportunity to shape how Hackney improves housing standards, supports responsible landlords, and protects people living in the private rented sector.
Why take part?
- Help improve standards and conditions in Hackney’s private rented homes
- Ensure the proposed licensing schemes are fair, effective and proportionate
- Share your experience of renting, letting or living in privately rented housing in Hackney
Drop-in events across Hackney
We’re holding a series of drop-in sessions in libraries across the borough, where you can speak to the team in person and ask any questions about the proposals.
The map below shows where each event is taking place. You can zoom in, move around, and search for a location near you. Dates and locations may change, so please check back here for the most up-to-date information.
If you’re unable to use the map, or would prefer to view the events as a list, please scroll to the end of this page for full details of all our upcoming drop-ins and online sessions.
This is an interactive map.
these are the events that will be taking place across hackney in relation to the Landlord Licensing consultation
Online consultation sessions
Online consultation sessions
If you can’t make it to a drop-in, you can also join one of our online consultation events. These are free to attend and open to anyone with an interest in the proposals. Please use the links below to register on Eventbrite – you’ll get the session link and a reminder before it starts.
Tenants and residents only – Wednesday 9 July, 6–7.30pm
Landlords and letting agents only – Wednesday 16 July, 6–7.30pm
- View the presentation (PDF)
- Q&A document coming soon
Open session (for anyone): Wednesday 10 September, 6–7.30pm
Stay Informed
Want to receive updates after the consultation closes? Sign up to our e-newsletter for future updates and next steps: bit.ly/Property-Licensing-Newsletter
Give us your views
Events
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Clapton Library Drop-in
From 19 Jun 2025 at 12:00 to 19 Jun 2025 at 14:00Speak to the Hackney Council team about property licensing proposals and share your views in person.
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Dalston CLR James Library Drop-in
From 24 Jun 2025 at 17:00 to 24 Jun 2025 at 19:00Speak to the Hackney Council team about landlord licensing proposals and share your views in person.
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Hackney Central Library Drop-in
From 30 Jun 2025 at 17:00 to 30 Jun 2025 at 19:00Speak to the Hackney Council team about property licensing proposals and share your views in person.
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Homerton Library Drop-in
From 7 Jul 2025 at 12:00 to 7 Jul 2025 at 14:00Speak to the Hackney Council team about property licensing proposals and share your views in person.
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Online Session – Tenants and Residents
From 9 Jul 2025 at 18:00 to 9 Jul 2025 at 19:30Join this online event to learn more about how the proposals could improve standards in private rented housing. For tenants and residents. Link to register: bit.ly/session-for-tenants
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Online Session – Landlords and Letting Agents
From 16 Jul 2025 at 18:00 to 16 Jul 2025 at 19:30Join this online event to learn more about the proposals and how they may affect your properties. For landlords and letting agents only. link to register: bit.ly/session-for-landlords
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Stamford Hill Library Drop-in
From 17 Jul 2025 at 12:00 to 17 Jul 2025 at 14:00Speak to the Hackney Council team about property licensing proposals and share your views in person.
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Hackney Central Library Drop-in
From 5 Sep 2025 at 12:00 to 5 Sep 2025 at 14:00Speak to the Hackney Council team about property licensing proposals and share your views in person.
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Online Session – Open to All Stakeholders
From 10 Sep 2025 at 18:00 to 10 Sep 2025 at 19:30Open to all – find out more about Hackney’s licensing proposals and ask questions directly to the Council’s team. Link to register:
Interests
- Communication
- Community safety
- Council goverance arrangements
- Democracy and participation
- Gathering ideas
- Health and wellbeing
- New Homes Programme
- Planning
- Regeneration
- Residents' satisfaction
- Sustainability
- Understanding views
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