Additional HMO licensing in Hillingdon
Yes. Hillingdon operates an additional HMO 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 an additional HMO licence in Hillingdon?
Yes. Hillingdon operates an additional HMO 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 Hillingdon does the scheme cover?
Boroughwide, all wards. Section 257 converted blocks of flats excluded.. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Hillingdon's scheme end?
The designation runs until 23 August 2031, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£1,401 per cent accredited landlord. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Hillingdon before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
- Discount
Hillingdon — hillingdon.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026
What the designation says
IN FORCE from 24 August 2026, boroughwide, for five years to 23 August 2031. Covers HMOs occupied by three or four people from two or more households that fall outside mandatory licensing (shared houses, shared flats, bedsit HMOs). Section 257 HMOs (certain converted blocks of flats) are EXCLUDED. Approved by Cabinet 19 February 2026 after a 10-week consultation. Applications opened 20 May 2026; the council's own apply page states "You must apply by Sunday 23 August 2026. From Monday 24 August 2026, non applicant or non-compliant HMOs may be subject to enforcement action." Commencement confirmed from the council's HMO apply page, read 31 Aug 2026. Fee reported as £1,401 per property (Part A £934 + Part B £467) with a 10 per cent accredited-landlord discount: that figure is from third-party trade sources and is NOT first-party confirmed, so it is not published as our fee.
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 Hillingdon before letting.