Have your say on proposals to introduce landlord licensing

Closes 21 Sep 2025

Opened 12 Jun 2025

Contact

licensing.consultation@hackney.gov.uk

Overview

We're proposing to introduce new landlord licensing schemes across the borough 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:

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.

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:

Give us your views

Click here to visit our consultation questionnaire

Events

  • Clapton Library Drop-in

    From 19 Jun 2025 at 12:00 to 19 Jun 2025 at 14:00

    Speak to the Hackney Council team about landlord licensing proposals and share your views in person.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Dalston CLR James Library Drop-in

    From 24 Jun 2025 at 17:00 to 24 Jun 2025 at 19:00

    Speak to the Hackney Council team about landlord licensing proposals and share your views in person.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Hackney Central Library Drop-in

    From 30 Jun 2025 at 17:00 to 30 Jun 2025 at 19:00

    Speak to the Hackney Council team about landlord licensing proposals and share your views in person.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Online Session – Landlords and Letting Agents

    From 1 Jul 2025 at 18:00 to 1 Jul 2025 at 19:30

    Join 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

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Homerton Library Drop-in

    From 7 Jul 2025 at 12:00 to 7 Jul 2025 at 14:00

    Speak to the Hackney Council team about landlord licensing proposals and share your views in person.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Online Session – Tenants and Residents

    From 9 Jul 2025 at 18:00 to 9 Jul 2025 at 19:30

    Join 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

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Stamford Hill Library Drop-in

    From 17 Jul 2025 at 12:00 to 17 Jul 2025 at 14:00

    Speak to the Hackney Council team about landlord licensing proposals and share your views in person.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Online Session – Open to All Stakeholders

    From 10 Sep 2025 at 18:00 to 10 Sep 2025 at 19:30

    Open to all – find out more about Hackney’s licensing proposals and ask questions directly to the Council’s team. Link to register:

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

Interests

  • Understanding views
  • Gathering ideas
  • Community safety
  • Council goverance arrangements
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Sustainability
  • Planning
  • Residents' satisfaction
  • Communication
  • Democracy and participation
  • Regeneration
  • New Homes Programme