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Same-Day Collision: London Fields Licensing & Renters’ Rights Act — 1 May 2026

On 1 May 2026 Hackney’s 17-ward selective licensing scheme — including London Fields — goes live the same day as the Renters’ Rights Act commences. Both bring £40,000 civil-penalty regimes. Read the RRA guide and the parent Hackney licensing page.

London Fields Selective Licensing — Within Hackney’s 17-Ward Scheme (Live 1 May 2026)

London Fields is a high-demand rental neighbourhood centred on the park and Broadway Market. Every PRS property is caught by the new selective scheme. Apply via the Hackney licensing portal before 1 May 2026.

Hackney Licence Fees (London Fields & All 17 Wards)

Applies in London Fields

Selective Licensing

All privately rented properties in the 17 designated wards — not just HMOs.

Per property — 5 yr£925
Borough-wide

Additional HMO Licensing

HMOs with 3–4 occupants forming 2+ households — applies borough-wide including London Fields. Section 257 HMOs excluded.

Per property — 5 yr£1,400

Mandatory HMO licensing (5+ occupants) also applies borough-wide — £950 until 31 March 2026, £1,400 from 1 April 2026.

Compliance Prerequisites for London Fields Landlords

Hackney’s licensing application asks for these certificates. From 1 May 2026 the Renters’ Rights Act adds a statutory Section 8 hardening — serving notice without a current Gas Safety Certificate, EICR or EPC will be blocked.

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

Send to gas.safetychecks@hackney.gov.uk

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EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)

Required every 5 years

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EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

Discount available for EPC C+

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Smoke alarms

Every storey of the property

Carbon monoxide alarms

Every room with a fixed combustion appliance

Fire Risk Assessment (HMOs)
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Get 3 Free Quotes for London Fields

Compare verified Hackney providers for the certificates you need before 1 May 2026.

Get EICR QuoteGas Safety QuoteFire Risk Assessment

Penalties (live 1 May 2026)

Civil penalty

Up to £40,000

Per offence — can be issued without warning

Prosecution

Unlimited fine

Criminal offence

Rent Repayment Order

Up to 24 months

Tenants can reclaim rent (RRA doubles backdated window)

Frequently Asked Questions — London Fields

Do I need a Hackney selective licence for a London Fields rental?
Yes. London Fields is one of 17 Hackney wards in the selective licensing scheme. From 1 May 2026 every privately rented property — including single-family lets, not only HMOs — needs a £925 selective licence.
When does Hackney enforcement begin in London Fields?
Enforcement begins 1 May 2026 — the same day as the Renters' Rights Act commences. Applications opened 1 March 2026; apply via propertylicensing.hackney.gov.uk.
What does a London Fields selective licence cost?
£925 per property for a 5-year licence. Discounts are available for accredited landlords, EPC C+ properties, and an early-bird £100 reduction (applications from 25 January 2026).
What's the penalty for letting in London Fields without a licence?
Up to £40,000 civil penalty per offence (effective 1 May 2026), unlimited fine on prosecution, and tenants may apply for a Rent Repayment Order recovering up to 24 months' rent. Hackney has confirmed civil penalties can be issued without warning.
What compliance documents do I need before applying for a London Fields licence?
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), Fire Risk Assessment, working smoke alarms (every storey) and carbon monoxide alarms (every room with a fixed combustion appliance), and an EPC. The Renters' Rights Act adds a Section 21 ban and a £40k civil-penalty regime starting the same day.

Other Hackney Selective Licensing Wards

BrownswoodCazenoveClissoldDalstonDe BeauvoirHackney CentralHackney DownsHackney WickHomertonKing's ParkLea BridgeShacklewellSpringfieldStamford Hill WestStoke NewingtonVictoria
← Hackney Licensing (parent)1 May Compliance Checklist →Renters’ Rights Act Guide →