Hackney Council is consulting on two new five-year licensing schemes for the private rented sector (PRS) from early 2026 – but proposals to set licence fees at £925 per property have provoked a major row.

The schemes include:

• Borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing – covering all HMOs not already subject to mandatory licensing.

• Selective Licensing – applying to all privately rented homes (excluding HMOs) across 17 of Hackney’s 21 wards.

This represents a sharp rise from Hackney’s earlier £500 pilot scheme, and fees would be far higher than in neighbouring boroughs such as Brent, Lewisham, and Haringey.

Propertymark’s Criticism

Letting agent trade body Propertymark has launched an unusually strong attack, urging Hackney to delay its plans until the national PRS database (due under the Renters Rights Bill) comes into force later this year.

Key points from Propertymark:

• Duplication – borough-wide licensing risks replicating the new national system.

• Poor targeting – Hackney’s own data shows serious hazards and ASB are concentrated in only some wards.

• Higher costs for tenants – licensing fees are likely to be passed on in rent.

• Landlord squeeze – rising costs may push smaller landlords out, reducing supply and choice.

• Alternative approach – focus on education, collaboration, and proportionate enforcement rather than blanket fees.

Propertymark has advised Hackney to:

• Lower fees in line with other London boroughs.

• Offer discounts for landlords using Propertymark-member agents or with high energy efficiency standards.

• Reward good practice, while targeting enforcement on problem landlords.

⚖️ Bottom line: Hackney argues the schemes will drive up standards, but critics warn high fees will push up rents and shrink the PRS just as tenants face affordability pressures.