Landlord licence fees London 2026
This page rolls up the current selective, additional and mandatory HMO licence fees that apply to private landlords in London. Figures are INDICATIVE editorial estimates compiled from public council fee schedules. Always click through to the council page before applying to confirm the current amount and any accreditation discount.
| Scheme | Council | Fee | Term | Notes / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Newham | £750 - £900 | 5 yrs | Borough-wide scheme; accreditation discount available. Council page |
| Additional HMO | Newham | £1,100 - £1,350 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Selective licensing | Waltham Forest | £700 - £900 | 5 yrs | Designated wards; accredited landlords discounted. Council page |
| Additional HMO | Waltham Forest | £1,050 - £1,350 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Selective licensing | Croydon | £750 - £950 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Additional HMO | Croydon | £1,100 - £1,400 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Selective licensing | Tower Hamlets | £790 - £890 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Additional HMO | Tower Hamlets | £1,150 - £1,400 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Additional HMO | Hackney | £1,050 - £1,300 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Mandatory HMO | Hackney | £1,050 - £1,300 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Selective licensing | Barking & Dagenham | £650 - £850 | 5 yrs | Borough-wide scheme. Council page |
| Additional HMO | Redbridge | £1,000 - £1,300 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Additional HMO | Brent | £1,050 - £1,350 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Additional HMO | Haringey | £900 - £1,200 | 5 yrs | Council page |
| Mandatory HMO | London (typical) | £900 - £1,400 | 5 yrs | Varies by borough; most boroughs charge between these limits. Council page |
FAQs: landlord licence fees in London
How much does a landlord licence cost in London in 2026?
Most selective licences in London sit between £650 and £1,000 for a 5-year term; additional and mandatory HMO licences typically fall between £900 and £1,400. Exact fees depend on the council, the scheme and whether you qualify for an accreditation discount. Always confirm current amounts on the council's licensing page before applying.
Are licence fees per property or per landlord?
Per property. If you own multiple let properties in designated areas, each one typically needs its own licence and fee. Some councils run portfolio discounts for accredited landlords.
What happens if I let without a licence?
Letting a property that requires a selective or HMO licence without one is a civil penalty offence. Fines reach £30,000 per property and tenants can apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent. Ignorance of the scheme is not a defence.
Do licence fees change year to year?
Yes. Councils review fees every scheme renewal cycle (typically 5 years) and some adjust between cycles. The ranges on this page are indicative editorial estimates; click through to the council page for a live fee.
Can I claim licence fees as a rental expense?
HMRC generally treats landlord licence fees as a deductible rental business expense for income tax where the licence is required to let the property. If the fee covers more than one tax year you may need to apportion it. Check with your accountant for your circumstances.
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