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: 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.
Hounslow Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Hounslow? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Hounslow 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 Hounslow property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across 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 — 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 — 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 licence?
You can apply for a licence via Hounslow Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Hounslow Council operates a single HMO fee schedule covering both mandatory and additional licensing:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| HMO (mandatory and additional) | £1,608 plus £25 per household; £1,509 (plus £25 per household) for accredited landlords. |
Fees are set by the council and can change — check Hounslow Council’s HMO licensing page for the latest figures.
We Handle Your Hounslow Applications End-to-End
TRUSTED BY LEADING AGENTS & LANDLORDS ACROSS THE UK
Managing Across Multiple Boroughs?
Reduce risk by swapping manual tracking for our licensing compliance platform Kamma Suite.
1 licensing scheme. Know exactly what you need.
Hounslow Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Hounslow operate?
Hounslow operates additional licensing (11 December 2025 to 10 December 2030), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Hounslow 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 Hounslow, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Hounslow property licence?
You can apply through Hounslow 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 Hounslow introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Hounslow 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 Hounslow?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
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. Historically agricultural, Hounslow now features notable sites such as Chiswick House, Syon House, and Osterley Park House, blending picturesque riverside communities with industrial areas. It is a diverse borough, with a significant South Asian population. Proximity to Heathrow Airport and major traffic arteries influences its development. Covering 22 square miles, Hounslow had a population of 253,957 in 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Hounslow
Hounslow 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:
