Hackney Compliance Requirements
Complete guide to supported living and HMO compliance in Hackney. Covers licensing, property standards, required documents, fees, and timelines.
2Licence Types
10Docs Required
£840 + £560HMO Fee
Licensing Requirements
Mandatory HMO
Required
Additional HMO
Required
Borough-wide additional licensing scheme effective May 2026 covering all HMOs with 3+ people from 2+ households
Selective Licensing
Not active
Article 4 Direction
Not in place
Check with planning department for specific area requirements
Exempt Accommodation
Supported accommodation may be exempt under Housing Act 2004 s254/s257. Council assesses on case-by-case basis.
Property Standards
Minimum Room Sizes
single bedroom: 6.51 sqm (1 person)
double bedroom: 10.22 sqm (2 persons)
kitchen: 7 sqm minimum for larger HMOs
living room: Required for larger HMOs
Fire Safety Requirements
- Interlinked smoke alarms on every storey and in sleeping areas
- Carbon monoxide detectors where required (near solid fuel appliances)
- Fire doors (FD30S rated) on all escape routes with intumescent seals and self-closers
- Escape routes kept clear
- Emergency lighting in larger HMOs
- Fire risk assessment required
Required Certificates
Gas Safety
Annual gas safety certificate (CP12)
Electrical Safety
EICR every 5 years minimum
EPC Rating
Minimum E rating required by law
Planning Permission
C4 use class for 3-6 occupants. Sui Generis for 7+.
Additional Requirements
- Adequate heating throughout
- Hot and cold water to all facilities
- Adequate natural lighting and ventilation
- Secure entry systems
- Waste management facilities
Required Documents
HMO licence application
Gas safety certificate (CP12)
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Fire risk assessment
Floor plans with room measurements
Building insurance certificate
Landlord identity verification
Proof of ownership
Management plan (for supported living)
Fees & Timeline
Licence Fees
- HMO Licence
- £840 + £560 (5-year licence)
- Additional Licence
- Contact council for new scheme fees from May 2026
Timeline
- Licence Processing
- 8-12 weeks typical
- Typical Setup Time
- 4-8 weeks from application to approval
Hackney-Specific Notes
- Additional licensing scheme approved and effective from May 2026
- Covers all HMOs with 3+ people from 2+ households borough-wide
- New scheme includes updated conditions on waste management
- Strong enforcement approach with regular inspections
- Growing area for supported living provision
Frequently Asked Questions
What licences are required for HMOs in Hackney?
Hackney requires the following licences: Mandatory HMO, Additional HMO. Borough-wide additional licensing scheme effective May 2026 covering all HMOs with 3+ people from 2+ households
What are the minimum room sizes in Hackney?
Single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 sqm (1 person). Double bedrooms must be at least 10.22 sqm (2 persons).
How much does an HMO licence cost in Hackney?
The HMO licence fee in Hackney is £840 + £560 (5-year licence). Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks typical.
What fire safety requirements apply in Hackney?
Interlinked smoke alarms on every storey and in sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide detectors where required (near solid fuel appliances). Fire doors (FD30S rated) on all escape routes with intumescent seals and self-closers. Escape routes kept clear. Emergency lighting in larger HMOs. Fire risk assessment required.
What documents are needed for compliance in Hackney?
You need the following documents: HMO licence application, Gas safety certificate (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Fire risk assessment, Floor plans with room measurements, Building insurance certificate, Landlord identity verification, Proof of ownership, Management plan (for supported living).
Contact & Sources
Council Contact
Hackney Property Licensing Team
propertylicensing@hackney.gov.uk
020 8356 4000
Hackney Compliance Checklist
Tick off items you already have to see your compliance score.
0/15 completed0%