Postcode Licensing Checker
Enter your postcode to see whether selective or additional HMO licensing applies to your London property — with fees, key dates, and the next deadline you need to meet.
Free postcode lookup. We use the open postcodes.io API and never store your postcode.
Why London licensing is a moving target
Property licensing in London is borough-led, not national. Each council can introduce its own selective or additional HMO scheme, with different fees, ward boundaries, and start dates. As of April 2026, more than a dozen boroughs have live designations — and several more are scheduled to launch this year.
Failing to license a rented property is a strict-liability offence. Councils can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence and tenants can claim Rent Repayment Orders worth up to 12 months’ rent.
What this tool checks
- Selective licensing — applies to most rented properties in designated wards or borough-wide schemes.
- Additional HMO licensing — covers smaller HMOs (3–4 unrelated occupants) where the council has designated.
- Mandatory HMO licensing — UK-wide for HMOs of 5+ unrelated people sharing facilities.
Postcode lookup is powered by postcodes.io, a free open-source service from Ideal Postcodes. We do not store your postcode.