Hounslow Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Hounslow
Hounslow currently operates additional licensing in 22 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.
Hounslow is in the London registration window for the PRS database, which opens on 15 July 2027: see when landlords in London have to register on the PRS database.
Hounslow Property Licensing Schemes
To check whether a Hounslow HMO is licensed, ask the council. Its designation says it keeps a register of HMOs licensed under the additional scheme. Housing Standards takes enquiries on 020 8583 2000 or Housing.Enforcement@hounslow.gov.uk.
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Not sure whether a Hounslow property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker covers selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Hounslow property →What are the licensing requirements for Hounslow?
Mandatory licensing in Hounslow
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Hounslow (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 Hounslow?
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.
Hounslow operates additional HMO licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Hounslow?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Hounslow does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 11 December 2025 to 10 December 2030, borough-wide (all 22 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 Hounslow HMO licence?
You can apply for an additional or mandatory HMO licence through the council’s online application. The council runs the same process for both. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
Licence fees
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence | £1,608 per property |
Fees as published by the council, verified 20 July 2026; subject to change. See the council’s fee page for full schedules, payment stages and discounts.
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Hounslow Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Hounslow operate?
Hounslow Council operates additional HMO licensing across the whole borough from 11 December 2025 to 10 December 2030. National mandatory HMO licensing also applies to HMOs of five or more people. Hounslow has no selective licensing scheme.
Do all properties in Hounslow need a licence?
Not every Hounslow property needs a licence. Hounslow has no selective scheme, so a single-household let does not. An HMO of three or four people needs an additional licence, and an HMO of five or more needs a mandatory licence.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating a Hounslow HMO that requires a licence without one can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property for offences on or after 1 May 2026. 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 Hounslow, and many manage the full process for additional and mandatory licences.
How do I apply for a Hounslow property licence?
Apply for a Hounslow HMO licence through the council’s online application. The process is the same for additional and mandatory licences. Or use a managed service such as Kamma.
Does Hounslow have selective licensing?
Hounslow does not have selective licensing. Hounslow Council operates additional HMO licensing across the whole borough from 11 December 2025 to 10 December 2030, plus national mandatory HMO licensing. Single-household lets are outside both.
When did Hounslow additional licensing start?
Hounslow Council made its additional licensing designation on 11 September 2025. It came into force on 11 December 2025 and applies to the whole borough until 10 December 2030. It covers HMOs of three or more people in two or more households that mandatory licensing does not.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Hounslow?
Hounslow Council attaches conditions to HMO licences covering fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management. Its HMO licensing page links the licensing policy and designation documents.
About Hounslow
Hounslow is an outer borough of London in the historic county of Middlesex, situated along the River Thames. Established in 1965, it includes areas like Brentford, Chiswick, Isleworth, and Feltham. Hounslow has 22 wards. Its additional HMO licensing designation covers the whole borough and runs from 11 December 2025 to 10 December 2030. The council made the designation on 11 September 2025. It covers HMOs of three or more people in two or more households, and some converted blocks of flats. Hounslow has no selective licensing scheme.
Licensing Enforcement in Hounslow
Failing to apply for a licence in Hounslow’s additional licensing area is an offence under section 72(1) of the Housing Act 2004, according to the council’s designation notice. The council can prosecute or impose a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per property for offences on or after 1 May 2026. 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:
