Hackney selective licensing — designated areas & rules

A factual reference for landlords with a property that may be caught by a selective licensing scheme in Hackney. Selective licensing under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 lets a council designate an area where most privately rented homes must be licensed — regardless of how many occupants live there.

How selective licensing works

A selective licensing designation applies to most privately rented homes inside a defined area — not just HMOs. Designations can run for up to 5 years and must be made under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004. A property can be caught by both a selective licence and an HMO licence at the same time.

Selective licensing position in Hackney

Cabinet has approved two new discretionary licensing schemes including selective licensing in designated wards. Ward checker available on council site. Always confirm the current designation with Hackney's own licensing page — designations come and go on a 5-year cycle.

FAQ

Is there a selective licensing scheme in Hackney? Our recorded position is shown above and is reviewed on a regular cycle, but every council can vary or end a designation at any council meeting. Always confirm the current scheme on the council's own licensing page (linked below) before deciding whether you need a licence.

Is selective licensing the same as HMO licensing? No. Selective licensing applies to most privately rented homes inside a designated area, regardless of occupancy. HMO licensing applies to houses in multiple occupation as defined by the Housing Act 2004. A single property can be caught by both schemes.

What happens if I let an unlicensed property in a designated area? Letting a property without a required selective licence is an offence under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004. Penalties can be issued as a financial penalty (up to £30,000) or via prosecution, and tenants or the council can apply for a Rent Repayment Order for up to 24 months' rent (doubled from 12 months by the Renters' Rights Act 2025).

Sources: - legislation.gov.uk — Housing Act 2004, Part 3 (Selective licensing) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/part/3 - GOV.UK — Selective licensing in the private rented sector: a guide for local authorities — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/selective-licensing-in-the-private-rented-sector-a-guide-for-local-authorities - Hackney — landlord licensing page — https://www.hackney.gov.uk/housing/private-tenants-and-landlords/private-landlords/check-which-property-licence-you-need - Hackney — HMO licensing page — https://www.hackney.gov.uk/housing/private-tenants-and-landlords/private-landlords/apply-property-licence

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