Hillingdon HMO Licensing
Hillingdon Council is introducing borough-wide additional HMO licensing, approved by Cabinet on 19 February 2026 after over 1,000 consultation responses (80% in favour). Applications open on Wednesday 20 May 2026 with full compliance required by Saturday 23 August 2026. The fee is £1,401 for a 5-year licence, with a 10% discount for accredited landlords. An Article 4 Direction (since December 2025) also requires planning permission for any family-to-HMO conversion.
Applications Open May 20, 2026
Hillingdon's additional HMO licensing scheme opens for applications on 20 May 2026. All qualifying properties must be fully licensed by 23 August 2026. Landlords who fail to apply face civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence. Start gathering your compliance documents now — EICR, gas safety certificate, fire risk assessment, and EPC are all required.
Article 4 Direction — Planning Permission Required
Since December 2025, Hillingdon has an Article 4 Direction removing permitted development rights for family-to-HMO conversions. This means you need planning permission (C3 to C4 change of use) in addition to an HMO licence. Hillingdon landlords face a double regulatory burden — both planning and licensing compliance are required.
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 when it opens on 20 May 2026.
Licence Fee
The licence fee covers the full 5-year licence period. 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?
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
You need a gas safety certificate, fire risk assessment, EICR, and EPC to apply for a Hillingdon HMO licence. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.