Harrow Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Harrow
Harrow currently operates selective licensing in 6 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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
Harrow is in the London registration window for the PRS database, which opens on 15 July 2027: see how the London registration window affects letting agents.
Harrow Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Harrow? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Harrow 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 a Harrow property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker covers selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Harrow property →What are the licensing requirements for Harrow?
Mandatory licensing in Harrow
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Harrow (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 Harrow?
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.
Harrow does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. The previous designation ended on 5 August 2026 and has not been replaced.
Harrow ran a consultation on additional licensing, which closed on 27 February 2026. No designation has followed, so no additional licence requirement applies at this stage.
Do I need a selective licence in Harrow?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Harrow operates selective licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 2 May 2026 to 1 May 2031, covering Edgware.
Selective licensing: 2 May 2026 to 1 May 2031, covering Roxeth.
Selective licensing: 6 July 2026 to 5 July 2031, covering Marlborough.
Selective licensing: 6 July 2026 to 5 July 2031, covering Greenhill.
Selective licensing: 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031, covering Wealdstone North.
Selective licensing: 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031, covering Wealdstone South.
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 Harrow Councils website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
Selective licence fees:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| New application | £786 |
| Renewal | £786 |
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| New application | £1,900 |
| Renewal | £1,343.80 |
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| New application | £393 |
| Renewal | £278 |
| Renewal with material change | £393 |
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 1 May 2026.
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Harrow Property Licensing FAQs
Which selective licensing schemes does Harrow Council operate?
Harrow Council operates six selective licensing schemes. Edgware and Roxeth started on 2 May 2026. Greenhill and Marlborough started on 6 July 2026. Wealdstone North and Wealdstone South started on 1 September 2026.
Each designation lasts five years from its start date. Harrow Council consulted on renewing additional HMO licensing from 19 December 2025 to 27 February 2026.
Do all properties in Harrow need a licence?
No. Not every privately rented property in Harrow needs a licence. The requirement depends on the property type and the ward.
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Harrow to HMOs with five or more occupants forming more than one household.
- Selective licensing applies to privately rented homes in Edgware, Roxeth, Greenhill, Marlborough, Wealdstone North and Wealdstone South.
- Smaller HMOs of three or four occupants need a licence only where an additional licensing designation is in force.
Letting agents with properties in the six selective wards need a selective licence for each privately rented home that is not a licensable HMO. Harrow’s selective schemes started between 2 May and 1 September 2026.
What if my property doesn’t have a licence?
A property in Harrow that needs a licence and does not have one exposes the person in control of it to:
- Civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property.
- Rent Repayment Orders of up to 24 months’ rent.
- Enforcement action by Harrow Council.
Letting agents can also be fined in their own right if they manage the property.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Harrow.
Many agents manage the full application process, including:
- Preparing and submitting applications
- Gathering required documents
- Liaising with the council
Agents often charge landlords an administration fee for this work.
How do I apply for a Harrow property licence?
Apply for a Harrow selective licence through a MyHarrow account on Harrow Council’s website. Letting agents can also use a managed service.
The council says an application can fail if documents are missing or incomplete. Once the council issues a draft licence, a 14-calendar-day consultation period begins. The council requests the enforcement fee before it issues the licence.
Kamma’s licensing application service prepares and submits applications for letting agents, handles council queries and follows each application up.
How long does a Harrow property licence application take?
Harrow Council states that high application volumes may delay the review and validation of a selective licence application. The selective licensing application page gives no fixed processing time.
Delays are more likely when documents are missing or incomplete. A selective licence lasts a maximum of five years, subject to compliance history.
Submitting a complete application is the best way to avoid delays.
Why did Harrow Council introduce selective licensing?
Harrow Council introduced selective licensing in response to significant issues related to anti-social behaviour, crime, and poor housing conditions, particularly in areas like Wealdstone. The council identified numerous complaints about overcrowded properties, subletting, overflowing bins, noise, and property damage, which were commonly associated with rented properties. Selective licensing was seen as a tool to hold landlords accountable for the management of their properties and ensure that they take responsibility for tenant behaviour and property standards. The scheme aimed to improve living conditions, reduce environmental problems, and promote safer communities.
Why did Harrow Council introduce additional licensing?
Harrow Council introduced additional licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to address ongoing issues such as overcrowding, disrepair, anti-social behaviour, and fire safety risks, as well as the significant management deficiencies found in 95% of licensed HMOs. With a growing population and an increasing reliance on private rentals (30% of housing stock by 2017), the council aimed to regulate smaller HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing. The scheme also sought to protect vulnerable tenants living in high-risk properties and ensure landlords maintain essential safety and living standards.
What are the conditions to obtain a HMO licence in Harrow?
Harrow’s HMO regulations, as outlined in their licensing standards, aim to ensure safe and well-maintained accommodations for tenants. The regulations require that all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) meet minimum space and amenity standards, including proper room sizes and shared facilities like kitchens and bathrooms. Safety measures are a priority, with strict guidelines on fire safety, such as the installation of smoke alarms, fire doors, and escape routes. Landlords must also ensure electrical and gas safety, provide secure access, manage waste effectively, and address any pest issues promptly. Additionally, landlords are responsible for managing tenant behaviour, addressing anti-social behaviour, and keeping the property in good repair. Non-compliance with these standards can lead to fines, penalties, or the revocation of the HMO licence.
About Harrow
Harrow is an outer borough of London, situated on the northwestern edge of the city. Historically part of Middlesex, it became a London borough in 1965. Harrow features a mix of suburban areas, including Pinner, Stanmore, and Wealdstone, and is home to landmarks such as the mediaeval Church of St. Mary and the prestigious Harrow School. The borough has a rich history, with Saxon earthworks like Grim’s Dyke and Bentley Priory, which played a key role in World War II. Today, Harrow serves as a major shopping and residential area, covering 19 square miles (50 square km) with a population of 239,056 as of 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Harrow
Harrow Council has demonstrated strict enforcement of licensing regulations by issuing significant penalties to landlords who violate housing laws. In a notable case, a rogue landlord was fined £485,000 for illegally converting and renting out large sheds as flats, which lacked the appropriate licences and failed to meet basic housing standards. The properties were overcrowded and unsafe, violating fire safety regulations and other health and safety standards. This case highlights the council’s commitment to ensuring landlords provide safe, legal accommodations, with substantial fines like this serving as a strong deterrent for future violations.
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:
Applying for a property licence in Harrow
A Harrow licence application is made to the council on the council’s own form, with the documents that council asks for. Requirements differ between councils and change when a designation changes, which is most of why an application that was correct last year is not necessarily correct now.
Letting agents can have Kamma do it. We prepare and submit mandatory HMO, additional HMO and selective licence applications in Harrow and in every other UK council area, collect the supporting documents from you or from your landlord, and monitor the application through to approval. The licensing application service page sets out what we need and what happens when a council rejects a submission.
Landlords should speak to their letting agent, who can instruct us directly.
