Landlord licensing in London Borough of Harrow
London · England
Licensing at a glance
- HMO licensing
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
- Additional licensing
- An additional licensing scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) previously covered properties in the wards of Roxbourne and Roxeth, designated from 1 March 2022 to 29 February 2027. This scheme applied to HMOs occupied by three or four tenants forming two or more households; the scheme has now expired.
- Selective licensing
- A selective licensing scheme previously applied to all privately rented properties in the wards of Rayners Lane, Roxbourne and Roxeth, designated from 1 March 2022 to 29 February 2027. This scheme included single-family lets and required a licence for every private rented home within these areas; the scheme has now expired.
- Typical fees
- Varies by scheme and property type. Full details are available on the council's property licensing website.
- Towns covered
- Harrow
What this means for you
If you let a property in the London Borough of Harrow area, first confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Designations run for up to five years and are ward or street specific, so confirm the position for the exact address. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Check the current designations before you advertise. Designations, fees, and boundaries in London change regularly, so check the council's own licensing pages before each new tenancy. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) has introduced periodic assured tenancies and a national landlord database. Whatever the licensing position, keep the same evidence pack for every London Borough of Harrow tenancy: a current gas safety record where there is gas, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection, prescribed information, and the required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts.
Official links
Licensing designations, fees and boundaries change regularly. This page is a general summary, not legal advice — always confirm the position for the exact address with London Borough of Harrow before letting. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.