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Property Licensing Guide for Ealing
Ealing currently operates selective licensing and additional licensing; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
Ealing Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Ealing? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Ealing 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.
Not sure whether an Ealing property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check an Ealing property →What are the licensing requirements for Ealing?
Mandatory licensing in Ealing
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Ealing (and all of England) to larger HMOs — 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 Ealing?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Ealing operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Ealing?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Ealing operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027 — borough-wide (all 24 wards).
Selective licensing: 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027 — covering East Acton, North Acton, Norwood Green, Southall Broadway, Southall Green, Southall West and Southfield.
Selective licensing: 3 January 2023 to 2 January 2028 — covering Central Greenford, Dormers Wells, Ealing Common, East Acton, Greenford Broadway, Hanger Hill, Lady Margaret, North Acton, North Greenford, North Hanwell, Northolt Mandeville, Northolt West End, Perivale, South Acton and Southall Broadway.
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 via Ealing Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence fee | £750 (new & renewal); £675 for self-contained flats. |
| Additional HMO licence fee | £1,300 (fixed fee plus a charge per habitable room). |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | £1,000 plus a per-room charge — £500 (up to 5 bedrooms), £600 (6–7), £700 (8–10), £800 (11–15), £900 (16–19), £1,000 (20+), roughly £1,500–£2,000 in total. |
Fees shown for 2026–27.
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Ealing Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Ealing operate?
Ealing operates selective and additional licensing (1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Ealing need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Ealing, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Ealing property licence?
You can apply through Ealing Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Ealing introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Ealing introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Ealing?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Ealing
Ealing is a vibrant borough in West London, known for its diverse communities, green spaces, and strong transport links. It combines a suburban feel with urban convenience, offering a mix of residential neighbourhoods, bustling high streets, and cultural attractions. Ealing is home to several parks, historic sites, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The borough is also recognized for its annual Ealing Film Festival and its significant investment in regeneration projects, making it an attractive place to live and work.
Licensing Enforcement in Ealing
Ealing Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
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:
