Haringey HMO Licensing Requirements 2026: Landlord Compliance Guide

Haringey operates a comprehensive three-tier licensing system that affects most private rental properties in the borough. With active mandatory HMO, additional HMO, and selective licensing schemes, landlords need to navigate multiple compliance requirements. Haringey also offers discounts for accredited landlords and energy-efficient properties, creating incentives for good practice.

This guide covers all three licensing schemes, fees, discounts, property standards, and enforcement.

Haringey's Three Licensing Schemes

Haringey runs three concurrent licensing schemes. Most landlords will need at least one; many properties require multiple licences.

Mandatory HMO Licensing

This national scheme applies to larger HMOs with five or more occupants from two or more households sharing facilities.

Key details:

• Five-year licence term
• Borough-wide for qualifying properties
• Required by law

Additional HMO Licensing

Haringey operates a borough-wide additional licensing scheme active from 2024-2029 covering HMOs with 3-4 occupants.

This captures smaller shared houses and ensures consistent standards across all HMOs in the borough.

Selective Licensing

Haringey's selective licensing applies to designated areas within the borough. Contact the council for specific ward information to determine if your property falls within a selective licensing zone.

Critical point: If your property is in a designated area and privately rented, it needs a selective licence regardless of household size.

Fees and Discounts

Haringey uses a two-part fee structure and offers discounts for good practice.

Mandatory HMO Licence

Fee structure: £1,360 total

• Part A (application): £618
• Part B (grant): £742
• Additional £50 per unit for properties with 10+ units

Additional HMO Licence

Fee structure: £1,360 total

• Part A (application): £618
• Part B (grant): £742

Selective Licence

Fee: £680 (split into two parts)

Available Discounts

Haringey offers stacking discounts:

• Accredited landlord discount: £50
  • Available to recognised accreditation scheme members
• EPC A-C rating discount: £50
  • For properties with energy efficiency ratings A, B, or C
• Combined discount: £100
  • If you qualify for both accreditation and EPC discounts

These discounts apply to the total fee and can provide meaningful savings, particularly for selective licences.

Processing Times

Standard processing: 8-12 weeks for all licence types

Complete documentation and compliant properties tend toward the 8-week end. Properties requiring improvements may take longer.

Property Standards in Haringey

Haringey applies consistent standards across all licensing schemes.

Room Size Requirements

Minimum floor areas:

• Single bedroom (1 person): 6.51 square metres
• Double bedroom (2 persons): 10.22 square metres
• Kitchen: Adequate for number of occupants
• Living room: Required for larger HMOs

The council measures during inspection. Undersized rooms cannot be used as bedrooms.

Fire Safety Standards

Requirements include:

• Smoke alarms: On every floor
• Heat detectors: Required in kitchens
• Fire doors: On escape routes
• Fire risk assessment: Required
• Fire safety equipment: Required
• Clear escape routes: Must be maintained

Gas and Electrical Safety

• Gas safety: Annual CP12 certificate
• Electrical safety: EICR every 5 years minimum
• EPC rating: Minimum E rating required; discounts available for A-C

Additional Requirements

• Adequate heating throughout
• Hot and cold water
• Adequate ventilation
• Secure entry systems
• Waste management facilities

Required Documentation

Prepare these documents before applying:

Licensing Documents:

• HMO licence application
• Floor plans with measurements
• Building insurance certificate
• Landlord identity verification
• Proof of ownership

Safety Certificates:

• Gas safety certificate (CP12)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Fire risk assessment

Supported Living and Exempt Accommodation

Supported accommodation may qualify for exemption from HMO licensing under Housing Act 2004 sections 254 and 257. However:

• Exemption is assessed case-by-case
• Contact the council to confirm your status
• Exemption does not exempt you from property standards
• The council will still inspect and enforce

Even exempt supported living properties in selective licensing areas will likely need selective licences.

Enforcement and Penalties

Haringey actively enforces its licensing schemes:

• Civil penalties: Up to £30,000 per offence
• Rent repayment orders: Up to 12 months' rent can be reclaimed
• Prohibition orders: Properties can be closed
• Prosecution: Criminal prosecution for serious breaches

The council uses data matching, complaints, and proactive inspection to identify unlicensed properties.

Borough-Specific Considerations

Five-Year Additional Licensing Scheme

Haringey's additional licensing scheme runs 2024-2029, giving landlords certainty about the regulatory framework for several years.

Stacking Discounts

The ability to combine accreditation and EPC discounts (saving £100 total) is unusual and rewards landlords who invest in both professional development and property improvements.

Designated Selective Licensing Areas

Unlike boroughs with universal selective licensing, Haringey's scheme applies to specific areas. Check your property's location carefully to determine if selective licensing applies.

Planning Permission

For HMOs:

• 3-6 occupants: C4 use class
• 7+ occupants: Sui Generis use class

Check with the planning department before converting properties. Some areas may have Article 4 directions.

The Application Process

1. Determine which licences apply: Check occupancy and location
2. Check discount eligibility: Accreditation and EPC ratings
3. Prepare property: Meet all standards
4. Gather documents: Complete documentation
5. Submit applications: Apply for each scheme separately
6. Pay Part A fees: Application fees on submission
7. Inspection: Council inspects
8. Pay Part B fees: Grant fees before licence issuance
9. Receive licence: Five-year term with any conditions

Renewals and Transfers

Licences last five years and are not transferable. New owners must apply for new licences. Start renewals at least 8 weeks before expiry to avoid operating unlicensed.

Getting Help

Haringey Property Licensing Team

• Email: propertylicensing@haringey.gov.uk
• Phone: 020 8489 1000
• Website: haringey.gov.uk/property-licensing

The team can confirm which licences apply to your property, check selective licensing area boundaries, and clarify discount eligibility.

BoroughReady Support for Haringey

Haringey's discount structure and three-scheme system create opportunities for informed landlords. BoroughReady's Haringey compliance pack includes:

• Licence requirement checker
• Discount eligibility assessment
• Fee calculator with discount options
• Document templates
• Fire risk assessment guidance
• Application tracking
• Renewal reminders

Get your Haringey compliance quote and maximise your discounts while ensuring full compliance.

Summary

Haringey's licensing landscape rewards good practice:

1. Three schemes: mandatory HMO, additional HMO, and selective
2. Two-part fee structure (Part A and Part B)
3. Discounts available: £50 accreditation, £50 EPC A-C, £100 combined
4. Additional £50 per unit for properties with 10+ units
5. Active enforcement with significant penalties

If you're accredited or have EPC A-C ratings, claim your discounts. The savings make accreditation and energy efficiency investments even more worthwhile.

For the latest requirements, check Haringey Council's property licensing pages.