Wave 1 selective licensing is now live — since 2 May 2026
The replacement Edgware scheme and the new Roxeth scheme have been live since 2 May 2026. Landlords in those wards must hold a valid selective licence now. Four further wards roll out next: Greenhill and Marlborough from 6 July 2026, Wealdstone North and Wealdstone South from 1 September 2026.
Harrow HMO Licensing
Harrow Council operates six staged selective licensing schemes rolling out 2 May → 1 September 2026 (fee £786 per scheme), and is also renewing its borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme — the Cabinet votes on the renewal on Tuesday 26 May 2026. The original Edgware-only selective scheme expires 27 April 2026; replacement Edgware + Roxeth schemes go live 2 May 2026 with a five-day enforcement gap.
Cabinet Vote: Tuesday 26 May 2026, 6:30pm
Harrow Cabinet meets on 26 May 2026 to decide whether to renew the additional HMO licensing scheme. The consultation period closed on 27 February 2026. If approved, the renewed scheme will replace the current one before it expires on 5 August 2026.
Current Scheme Expiring — 5 August 2026
Harrow's existing additional HMO licensing scheme expires on 5 August 2026. If you currently hold a licence, it remains valid until expiry. If you need to apply or renew, contact Harrow Council directly for current application procedures while the renewal decision is pending.
Key Dates
Additional HMO Licensing Scheme
What's Covered
The additional licensing scheme covers all HMOs with 3 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households. This is broader than mandatory licensing (5+ occupants) and applies borough-wide.
Proposed Licence Fee
The proposed fee for the renewed scheme is the most expensive in London for additional HMO licensing.
Highest additional HMO licensing fee in London
Selective Licensing — six staged schemes 2 May → 1 September 2026
Harrow Council is rolling out six selective licensing schemes in three waves. Selective licensing applies to all privately rented properties in covered wards — not just HMOs. If your property is in a covered ward and is not an HMO, you still need a selective licence. Fee per scheme: £786 (admin £686 + management / enforcement £100, no early-bird discount).
Wave 1 — go-live 2 May 2026
5-day gap after the 27 April Edgware expiry- Edgware — replacement scheme (the original Edgware-only scheme expires 27 April 2026).
- Roxeth — new scheme.
Wave 2 — go-live 6 July 2026
- Greenhill — new scheme.
- Marlborough — new scheme.
Wave 3 — go-live 1 September 2026
- Wealdstone North — new scheme.
- Wealdstone South — new scheme.
As of 20 April 2026, Harrow Council had not yet issued a press release announcing the new schemes, and its selective licensing postcode-checker did not yet list any of the six new schemes. Confirm your ward and the live status of your scheme directly with the council before applying.
Compliance signposting — not legal advice. Speak to your council or a planning consultant before applying.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Civil penalty per offence (Housing Act 2004)
Fine on prosecution for operating without a licence
Rent Repayment Orders — tenants can reclaim rent
Documents Required for Your Application
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Harrow decide on the additional HMO licensing renewal?
Which properties need an additional HMO licence in Harrow?
How much does a Harrow additional HMO licence cost?
What happens if the current scheme expires before the renewal is approved?
Does Harrow have selective licensing?
Which Harrow wards need a selective licence and from when?
What documents do I need for a Harrow HMO licence application?
What happens if I don't get a licence?
Is accreditation available for Harrow landlords?
Get Your Compliance Certificates
Whether the scheme is renewed or not, HMO landlords need gas safety, fire risk assessment, EICR, and EPC certificates. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.