As 2026 approaches, letting agents across the UK face one of the busiest years for property licensing changes in more than a decade.
New selective licensing schemes, expanded additional HMO designations, rising enforcement action and increasingly complex local rules mean licensing is now a frontline compliance responsibility for every agent.

This 2026 Letting Agent Licensing Checklist gives you:

• A complete breakdown of what’s changing in 2026
  
• The key steps every agency must take to stay compliant
  
• Documentation and evidence you’ll need for licence applications
  
• A region-by-region look at councils launching new schemes
  
• A dedicated section for agents operating in Islington, where new licensing designations are expected early in the year
  

Let’s start from the top.

Why 2026 Is a Landmark Year for Property Licensing

Dozens of councils are updating, renewing or expanding their licensing schemes in 2026, including:

• New Additional HMO schemes (e.g. Islington confirmed 1 Feb 2026)
  
• New Selective schemes (e.g. Islington, 7 new wards approved, start date TBC)
  
• Scheme renewals reaching their 5-year expiry
  
• Greater enforcement pressure driven by rising civil penalty revenue
  

Major drivers include:

• A large and growing private rented sector (PRS) in cities like London
  
• Evidence of poor housing conditions and deprivation in key areas
  
• Government emphasis on tackling substandard PRS stock
  
• Increasing legal expectations on agents managing compliance on behalf of landlords
  

For agents, this means:

👉 Licensing can no longer be reactive.
👉 You need a system, a checklist, and a reliable process.

This guide gives you all three.

The 2026 Letting Agent Licensing Checklist

Below is the definitive set of steps letting agents should follow in 2026 to stay compliant, avoid civil penalties and protect landlords.

1. Map Every Property Against Licensing Requirements

Agents should map their portfolios against all three types of licensing:

✔ Mandatory HMO Licensing

For shared homes with 5+ people from 2+ households.

✔ Additional HMO Licensing

Council-designated schemes covering smaller HMOs (e.g., 3 or 4 sharers).

Example:
Islington’s renewed borough-wide Additional HMO scheme begins on 1 February 2026.

✔ Selective Licensing

Covers single-family lets and small households within designated wards.

Example:
Islington has approved 7 new selective licensing wards (start date TBC):

• Barnsbury
  
• Caledonian
  
• Tufnell Park
  
• Mildmay
  
• Highbury
  
• Junction
  
• Laycock
  

This mapping must be done before new schemes launch, not after.

2. Collect Required Documentation in Advance

Licensing applications often require:

• Proof of ownership (Land Registry deeds or mortgage statement)
  
• Tenancy agreements
  
• Gas safety certificate
  
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
  
• EPC documentation
  
• Fire safety records and alarms layout
  
• Management details (agent + landlord + company number if applicable)
  
• Floorplans
  
• Property condition photos
  

Missing documents = delays = non-compliance risk.

Agents should send landlords a standardised document request pack for every upcoming licence.

3. Conduct a Pre-Licence Property Condition Check

Several councils refuse licence applications if:

• There is damp or mould
  
• Fire doors don’t meet standards
  
• Smoke alarms are incorrectly placed
  
• Rooms don’t meet minimum space standards
  
• Safety certificates are out of date
  

Agents should run a pre-submission audit, checking:

• Room size compliance
  
• Fire safety installations
  
• Amenities
  
• Repairs needed
  
• Fitness for human habitation (FFHH) indicators
  

This reduces rejections and protects landlords from enforcement.

4. Track Local Scheme Launch Dates As They Can Change Quickly

Licensing schemes often go from “consultation” → “approved” → “active” in weeks.

To stay ahead, agents need:

• A forward-looking licensing calendar
  
• Alerts when new designations are announced
  
• Ward-level coverage maps
  
• Scheme fees and deadlines
  
• Renewal dates
  

Example: Islington 2026

• Additional HMO scheme → confirmed start 1 February 2026
  
• New Selective Licensing scheme → approved, start date pending
  
• Private rented sector makes up around one-third of homes in the borough (according to council evidence), driving expansion
  

Agents in Islington cannot wait for the official date — preparation must happen now.

5. Submit Licence Applications Early

Most councils experience licensing backlogs around launch dates.

Agents should aim to:

• Submit applications before scheme launch
  
• Use assisted application services (like Kamma’s) for speed
  
• Pre-load documents into a compliance system
  
• Use templated forms to scale across portfolios
  

Early submission = early compliance = zero risk.

6. Create a Communication Plan for Landlords

Landlords expect agents to guide them through new schemes.

This communication should include:

• A simple explanation of the new scheme
  
• What type of licence applies
  
• Costs and council fees
  
• Documentation needed
  
• Safety standards
  
• Estimated timelines
  
• How the agent will handle the process
  

Agents who communicate clearly win more landlord trust, and more fully managed portfolios.

7. Monitor Licences After Issue

Licences require ongoing management:

• Renewal dates (5-year cycle typically)
  
• Variation requests
  
• Changes to management details
  
• Safety certificate updates
  
• New tenants or occupancy changes
  

Agents must track licensing data centrally, and spreadsheets are no longer sustainable.

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Special Focus: Licensing Requirements for Letting Agents in Islington in 2026

Islington is one of the key hotspots for 2026 licensing activity.

What’s launching?

1. Additional HMO Licensing

• Borough-wide
  
• In force from 1 February 2026
  
• Enforcement begins immediately on that date
  

2. New Selective Licensing Expansion

• Seven additional wards approved
  
• Start date not yet published
  
• Expected early 2026
  
• Enforcement begins as soon as the designation goes live
  

Why agents must prepare early

The council’s evidence confirms:

• The private rented sector makes up around 33% of all homes
  
• Significant issues with property condition were identified
  
• Licensing expansion is targeted at improving PRS standards
  

Agents managing Islington portfolios should begin:

• Pre-checks
  
• Landlord communication
  
• Document collection
  
• Licensing mapping
  
• Application preparation
  

before the start date is announced.

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FAQs

Do letting agents have to manage licensing for landlords?

Agents are not legally required to, but landlords increasingly expect it. Councils also hold agents accountable for properties under their management.

What happens if a licence isn’t submitted in time?

Agents and landlords may face civil penalties of up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders, and Section 21 restrictions.

Which councils are launching new schemes in 2026?

Key updates include Islington’s Additional HMO scheme (1 Feb 2026) and a number of selective licensing expansions across London and other major cities.

How long does it take to submit a licence application?

Collecting documentation is the longest stage. With good systems or outsourcing, applications can be submitted within days.

Do agents need software to manage licensing?

Not legally, but with multiple schemes, renewals, evidence requirements and deadlines, software makes the process faster and lower risk.

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How Kamma Helps Letting Agents Stay Compliant in 2026

With licensing schemes expanding across the UK, letting agents need clear visibility, reliable processes and expert support to stay compliant as rules become more complex.

Kamma supports agents in two complementary ways.

1. Fully Managed Licensing Application Service

Our licensing application service is designed for agents who want licensing handled end to end, without adding pressure to their internal teams.

We manage the entire process for your landlords, including:

• Documentation and evidence gathering
• Safety and compliance checks
• Accurate licence submission
• Ongoing council liaison and follow-up

No admin for your team. Reduced compliance risk. No missed deadlines.

👉 Learn more about Kamma’s Licensing Application Service

2. Kamma Suite — Licensing & Compliance Platform

For agents who want ongoing oversight and control, Kamma Suite provides a real-time view of licensing requirements across your entire portfolio.

With Kamma Suite, agents can:

• Run real-time licensing checks on every property
• Instantly see ward-level scheme coverage
• Track licence renewals and key dates
• Receive alerts when new schemes are introduced
• Store digital evidence packs securely
• Automate compliance workflows across teams

👉 Explore Kamma Suite and see how it works

Built for the licensing landscape ahead

Whether you need hands-on support with applications or a platform to manage compliance in-house, Kamma provides letting agents with clarity, control, and confidence, even as licensing rules continue to evolve through 2026 and beyond.

👉 Request a free portfolio audit to see how Kamma can support your agency