Property Licensing Guide for Islington
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.
Islington Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Islington? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Islington and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK.
If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Islington?
Mandatory licensing in Islington
You will need mandatory licensing in across the entirety of Islingron if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form 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 licence in Islington?
Islington council operates a borough-wide additional licensing scheme. This means that any privately rented property in Islington which is occupied by three or more people from two different households will require an additional licence.
The current additional scheme in Islington runs from 01/02/2021 to 31/01/2026
This designation includes the licensing of section 257 HMOs where all flats are privately rented under one single freehold ownership.
Do I need a selective licence in Islington?
Islington council currently operates two selective licensing schemes. A selective licensing scheme requires that all privately rented properties which fall in the area require a licence. This rule applies regardless of the number of occupants or households formed.
The latest selective scheme which came into place in May 2024 replaces the previous selective scheme which expires in 2025 and expands the scope of where a selective licence is required.
The current selective licensing schemes in Islington are as follows:
- Islington selective scheme 1: Covering Finsbury Park, running from 01/02/21 to 31/01/25
- Islington selective scheme 2: Covering Finsbury Park, Tollington, and Hillrise wards, running from 20/05/24 to 19/05/29
How do I apply for a licence?
Islington Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Islington. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a property licence in Islington cost?
- Selective Licence Fee: £800
- Additional Licence Fee: £288 per bedroom or £703 for a block of flats under single ownership.
- Mandatory Licence Fee: £288 per bedroom (e.g., £1,440 for 5 bedrooms).
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 18th April 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Islington?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Islington Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a Islington property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Islington council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Islington Council is not currently consulting on any new licensing schemes. The most recent Islington selective scheme launched in May 2024.
Why has additional and selective licensing in Islington been introduced?
Islington introduced property licensing schemes to regulate the condition and management of private rented properties in the borough. The primary goals of these schemes are to improve property standards, address anti-social behaviour (ASB), and protect residents from rogue landlords.
The Islington selective scheme launched in 2024 mandates all private landlords in the designated wards to comply with the licensing conditions or face prosecution, including unlimited fines or criminal convictions. This initiative aims to level the playing field for responsible landlords while holding rogue landlords accountable.
What happens when I apply for a property licence in Islington?
When you apply for a property licence in Islington, you will receive an acknowledgement email with a unique application reference number. The council will review the proposed licence holder’s and property manager’s information against ‘fit and proper’ criteria, along with any relevant documents you provide.
A draft licence, indicating the permitted number of occupants, will be issued. This draft is sent to interested parties (e.g., managing agents, leaseholders, tenants) who have 21 days to make representations online. After considering these, a final decision is made. If granted, the licence typically lasts five years, though shorter licences may be issued if there are concerns about the property’s management or condition.
Do I need a licence for self-contained flats in Islington?
If your property is divided into self-contained flats and all the flats are rented under a single freehold or leasehold ownership, you might need a multi-property licence. The requirement depends on the property’s location and the quality of the conversion.
Properties converted into self-contained flats that do not meet the Building Regulations 1991 standards will need an Additional licence (S257 HMO) for the shared areas of the building. However, properties that are either purpose-built or meet the conversion standards do not need a licence for the common areas. Despite this, the individual flats within these properties might still require a separate licence.
About Islington
Islington is an inner borough of London, England, located directly north of the City of London. It is part of the historic county of Middlesex and was established in 1965 through the amalgamation of the former metropolitan boroughs of Islington and Finsbury. The borough includes Finsbury Park, Upper Holloway, Highbury, Holloway, Islington, and Clerkenwell. Notable historical sites include the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Canonbury Tower, and Wesley’s Chapel. Islington has also been home to notable figures such as John Milton, Samuel Johnson, and Alfred Hitchcock..
The borough covers 5.7 square miles (15 square km) and had a population of 175,597 in 2001, growing to 206,125 by 2011.
