Hillingdon HMO Licensing
Hillingdon Council has introduced borough-wide additional HMO licensing, approved by Cabinet on 19 February 2026 after over 1,000 consultation responses (80% in favour). Applications are open from Wednesday 20 May 2026, and ALL applications must be submitted by the Saturday 23 August 2026 deadline. The fee is £1,401 per property for a 5-year licence (payable in two instalments), with a 10% discount for accredited landlords. An Article 4 Direction (since December 2025) also requires planning permission for any family-to-HMO conversion.
Hillingdon Additional HMO Licensing — Get Your Documents Ready Now
Hillingdon's borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme is now open for applications (opened 20 May 2026). The scheme comes into force on 24 August 2026, and ALL applications must be submitted by the 23 August 2026 deadline. The fee is £1,401 per property for a 5-year licence (payable in two instalments), and around 2,500 HMOs across the borough fall within scope. Landlords who fail to apply face civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence. You will need an EICR, gas safety certificate, fire risk assessment and EPC to apply — line them up now so you can submit as soon as the portal opens.
Borough-wide Article 4 Direction — LIVE since 11 December 2025
Hillingdon Council's borough-wide Article 4 Direction has been in force since 11 December 2025. Across all 21 wards, ANY conversion of a single dwelling (Use Class C3) into a small HMO of 3–6 unrelated occupants (Use Class C4) now requires planning permission BEFORE the change of use. Permitted development rights have been removed.
Two separate compliance tracks — both apply
- Planning (Article 4 Direction): enforced under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Sought from Hillingdon Council's Local Planning Authority (LPA).
- Additional HMO licensing (housing): enforced under the Housing Act 2004. Sought from Hillingdon's HMO licensing team. Applications open 20 May 2026.
These are separate enforcement tracks. Holding an HMO licence does not give you planning consent — and vice versa. Landlords routinely conflate the two.
Already converted after 11 December 2025?
If you converted a property to an HMO without planning permission after 11 December 2025, you should seek retrospective planning consent from Hillingdon's LPA. Speak to a planning consultant or contact Hillingdon Council before continuing to operate or marketing the property — unauthorised changes of use can trigger planning enforcement notices independent of any licensing action.
Compliance signposting — not legal advice. Speak to a planning consultant or your council before converting.
Additional HMO Licensing Scheme
What's Covered
This scheme targets smaller HMOs with fewer than 5 residents from 2 or more separate households. These properties fall below the mandatory licensing threshold but still require a licence under Hillingdon's additional scheme. Coverage is borough-wide.
Online Applications Only
All applications must be submitted online through Hillingdon Council's licensing portal, open from 20 May 2026.
Licence Fee
The licence fee covers the full 5-year licence period and is payable in two instalments. Accredited landlords benefit from a 10% discount on the standard fee.
10% discount for recognised accreditation scheme members
Mandatory HMO Licensing (Already Live)
5+ Person HMOs
Larger HMOs with 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households already require a mandatory HMO licence under the Housing Act 2004. This is a national requirement and is already in effect in Hillingdon.
Licence fee
Key Dates
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Civil penalty per offence (Housing Act)
Fine on criminal prosecution
Rent Repayment Orders
Article 4 enforcement for unlawful conversions
Documents Required for Your Application
Minimum Bedroom Sizes
Hillingdon HMO licence conditions require each bedroom to meet minimum floor area standards. Rooms below these thresholds cannot be used as sleeping accommodation.
1 person (aged 10+)
2 people (aged 10+)
1 child (under 10)
Hillingdon Compliance Providers
These verified providers already serve the Hillingdon area and can help you get your compliance documents ready before applications open.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Hillingdon additional HMO licensing start?
Which properties need an additional HMO licence in Hillingdon?
How much does a Hillingdon HMO licence cost?
Is there a discount for accredited landlords?
What is the Article 4 Direction in Hillingdon?
Does my Hillingdon HMO need planning permission as well as an HMO licence?
How do I apply for a Hillingdon HMO licence?
What documents do I need for a Hillingdon HMO licence application?
What happens if I don't get a licence by August 23?
Do I need planning permission to convert a property to an HMO in Hillingdon?
Which other London boroughs have launched HMO licensing in 2026?
Get Your Compliance Certificates
Hillingdon HMO licence applications are open now — the £1,401 licence fee applies and all applications must be submitted by the 23 August 2026 deadline. You need a gas safety certificate, fire risk assessment, EICR, and EPC to apply. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.