Hackney Selective and HMO licensing 2026: A guide for renters
From 1st May 2026, most private landlords in Hackney will need a selective licence.
For the first time, the majority of privately rented homes in Hackney will fall under licensing rules. If your landlord doesn't comply, you'll have powerful new protections, including the ability to claim back up to 24 months of rent.
What's changing in Hackney?
Hackney Council approved two new licensing schemes in November 2024, following a 14-week public consultation. From 1st May 2026:
- Selective licensing will cover private rentals in 17 of Hackney's 21 wards
- Additional HMO licensing will apply borough-wide to all houses in multiple occupation (3+ people from 2+ households)
With nearly a third of Hackney's homes privately rented (around 39,500 properties), tens of thousands of landlords will need to apply for a licence or face penalties.
Which Hackney wards will require selective licensing?
From 1 May 2026, landlords in these 17 wards will need a selective licence:
- Brownswood
- Cazenove
- Clissold
- Dalston
- De Beauvoir
- Hackney Central
- Hackney Downs
- Hackney Wick
- Homerton
- King's Park
- Lea Bridge
- London Fields
- Shacklewell
- Springfield
- Stamford Hill West
- Stoke Newington
- Victoria
Only four wards are excluded from selective licensing:
- Haggerston
- Hoxton East and Shoreditch
- Hoxton West
- Woodberry Down
However, these four wards will still be covered by the borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme.
What does this mean for Hackney renters?
This is one of the biggest expansions of renter protections Hackney has seen. Once the schemes come into force:
Your landlord must prove your home is safe. Licensed properties must meet safety and management standards, including gas and electrical certificates, fire safety measures, strict room size limitations and proper property management.
You could claim rent back. If your landlord fails to have a licence after 1 May 2026, you can apply for a Rent Repayment Order to reclaim up to 24 months.
The median rent for a three-bedroom property in Hackney is around £2,350 per month in 2025. This means a Rent Repyment Order could be worth over £56,000. Even a partial award represents a significant sum.
What should you do now?
If you're currently renting in Hackney: Make a note of 1st May 2026. After that date, check whether your landlord has obtained the required licence.
If you're in an HMO (3+ people, 2+ households): Your landlord may already need a mandatory HMO licence if there are 5+ people. From May 2026, all HMOs will need licensing regardless of size.
Want to be ready? Set up a free account at app.remedylegal.ai and we'll help you check your landlord's current compliance and their compliance once the scheme goes live. Or email us at hello@remedylegal.ai with any questions.