Hillingdon Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Hillingdon
Hillingdon currently operates additional licensing in 21 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 20 October 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Hillingdon is in the London registration window for the PRS database, which opens on 15 July 2027: see what the PRS database means for landlords and agents in London.
Hillingdon Property Licensing Schemes
Hillingdon’s additional scheme covers HMOs with fewer than five residents from two or more households. Applications opened on 20 May 2026 and the council’s deadline was 23 August 2026. From 24 August 2026 the council may take enforcement action against HMOs that did not apply or do not comply.
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Check a Hillingdon property →What are the licensing requirements for Hillingdon?
Mandatory licensing in Hillingdon
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Hillingdon (and all of England) to larger HMOs. These are properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Hillingdon?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed. That means a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Hillingdon operates additional HMO licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Hillingdon?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Hillingdon does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 24 August 2026 to 23 August 2031, borough-wide (all 21 wards).
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence on Hillingdon Council’s website: additional HMO licence application. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
Licence fees: Hillingdon Council charges £1,401 for an additional HMO licence from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with a 10% reduction for accredited landlords. The council lists £1,656 for a new or renewal HMO licence, paid as £1,104 with the application and £552 on grant. See the council’s fees page.
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Hillingdon Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Hillingdon operate?
Hillingdon operates additional HMO licensing across all 21 wards from 24 August 2026 to 23 August 2031, alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme, in force since 2006.
Do all properties in Hillingdon need a licence?
Not every property. Hillingdon’s additional scheme covers HMOs with fewer than five residents from two or more households, and mandatory licensing covers HMOs of five or more. Hillingdon has no selective licensing scheme, so a single-household let does not need a selective licence.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
An HMO in Hillingdon that needs a licence and has none can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property. The landlord also risks a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. A letting agent who manages the property or collects the rent commits the offence too and can be fined separately.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for HMO licences on behalf of landlords in Hillingdon, and many manage the full process. Hillingdon Council takes applications through an online account, where the applicant uploads evidence and pays the fee.
How do I apply for a Hillingdon property licence?
Apply on Hillingdon Council’s website through its additional HMO licence page, or use a managed service such as Kamma.
Does Hillingdon have a selective licensing scheme?
No. Hillingdon Council does not operate a selective licensing scheme. The scheme that applies in Hillingdon is additional HMO licensing, in force across all 21 wards from 24 August 2026 to 23 August 2031.
Why did Hillingdon introduce additional licensing?
Hillingdon Council introduced additional HMO licensing across the borough. It cites inadequate housing conditions, inconsistent management standards and anti-social behaviour in shared homes (council news release, 19 February 2026).
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Hillingdon?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Hillingdon
Hillingdon Council introduced additional HMO licensing across the whole borough, covering all 21 wards. Its decision of 19 February 2026 followed a consultation, and the scheme runs from 24 August 2026 to 23 August 2031.
Licensing Enforcement in Hillingdon
Hillingdon Council opened additional licence applications on 20 May 2026 and set a deadline of 23 August 2026. From 24 August 2026 it may take enforcement action against HMOs that did not apply or do not comply. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution and civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property. The landlord can also face a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. Where a letting agent manages the property or collects the rent, the agent commits the offence too and can be fined in its own right.
Neighbouring borough guides
Licensing schemes stop at the borough boundary. A property one street over can need a different licence. Guides for the neighbouring boroughs:
