Hackney vs Tower Hamlets — Landlord Licensing Compared

Side-by-side comparison of selective and additional HMO licensing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets. Reference data from each council's own pages and GOV.UK.

Bordering east-London boroughs with active HMO licensing schemes.

Hackney (Greater London)

  • Selective licensing: Designated areas only. Cabinet has approved two new discretionary licensing schemes including selective licensing in designated wards. Ward checker available on council site.
  • Additional HMO licensing: Status not yet verified. Not yet independently verified — check the council page.
  • Council licensing page: https://www.hackney.gov.uk/housing/private-tenants-and-landlords/private-landlords/check-which-property-licence-you-need
  • Council HMO page: https://www.hackney.gov.uk/housing/private-tenants-and-landlords/private-landlords/apply-property-licence
  • Full reference page: https://letsentry.co.uk/council/hackney

Tower Hamlets (Greater London)

  • Selective licensing: Designated areas only. Selective licensing designation in force across specified Tower Hamlets areas.
  • Additional HMO licensing: Status not yet verified. Not yet independently verified — check the council page.
  • Council licensing page: https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/housing/Private-tenants-landlords-and-homeowners/Property-licensing/Licences/Selective-licensing.aspx
  • Council HMO page: https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/housing/Private-tenants-landlords-and-homeowners/Property-licensing/Licence-fees-charges-and-refunds/Licence-fees-and-charges.aspx
  • Full reference page: https://letsentry.co.uk/council/tower-hamlets

Mandatory HMO licensing applies in both areas: any HMO occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households needs a licence anywhere in England.

Sources: - legislation.gov.uk — Housing Act 2004 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents - GOV.UK — House in multiple occupation (HMO) licence — https://www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Reference data only — always check each council's own page before applying.