Selective licensing in Harrow
Yes. Harrow operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need a selective licence in Harrow?
Yes. Harrow operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Harrow does the scheme cover?
Edgware, Greenhill, Marlborough, Roxeth, Wealdstone North, Wealdstone South (six wards). Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Harrow's scheme end?
The designation runs until 31 August 2031, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£786. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Harrow before budgeting.
One payment.
- Renewal identical at £786
Harrow, read 24 August 2026
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Harrow before letting.