Council licensing · London
Licensing in Harrow
Harrow has selective licensing in 6 wards.
Researched 14 October 2026 · Independently checked 14 October 2026
Check a specific address in Harrow
We match the postcode to its ward and the schemes below.
Licensing, ward by ward
Tap a ward, or focus it with your keyboard, to see its name and recorded coverage.
- Selective licensing area6
- National rules only16
Current ONS ward boundaries. Exemptions apply. Use the postcode check and scheme details for your property.
- Selective licensing
- 6 wards
- Additional HMO licensing
- No
- Article 4 on house shares
- Yes
- Consultation
- Awaiting decision
Licensing schemes
Selective licence
In forceLondon Borough of Harrow Designation of an area for Selective Licensing 2026 - Edgware
- Area
The Council Ward of Edgware, outlined in purple on the map in Annex A of the designation.
1 ward, as named in the designation (2022 wards (current; designation made 2 February 2026)):
- Edgware
- Runs
- 2 May 2026 to 1 May 2031
- Fee
£786 for 5 years
Council fee page (no update date shown): new application = administration fee £686 + management and enforcement fee £100 = £786. Renewal is the same (£686 + £100 = £786). Administration fee paid on application; enforcement fee requested before the licence is issued. Page is not ward-specific, so the same fee is assumed to apply to all six 2026 designations.
- Who needs one
- Any house let or occupied under a tenancy or licence in the ward. The council describes this as all privately rented homes occupied by one or two persons or by one family household.
- Exemptions
- HMOs that must be licensed under Part 2 (mandatory or additional HMO licensing); tenancies granted by a registered social landlord; houses under an Interim or Final Management Order; houses with a section 86 temporary exemption; tenancies exempt under the Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 (SI 2006/370), e.g. business tenancies, long leases over 21 years, certain family arrangements, holiday lets, resident landlord sharing amenities, certain student lets managed by educational establishments.
- Notes
- Designation made 2 February 2026 under s80 Housing Act 2004, following Cabinet approval on 18 December 2025 of a 5-year selective designation in Edgware, Greenhill, Marlborough, Roxeth, Wealdstone North and Wealdstone South. Replaces the 2021 Edgware designation, which ceased on 27 April 2026, so there was a gap of 28 April to 1 May 2026 with no Edgware designation in force. Updated HMO and selective licence conditions and a new licensed-property waste condition were approved at the same Cabinet. Licences last up to five years, subject to compliance history.
Selective licence
In forceLondon Borough of Harrow Designation of an area for Selective Licensing 2026 - Roxeth
- Area
The Council Ward of Roxeth, outlined in purple on the map in Annex A of the designation.
1 ward, as named in the designation (2022 wards (current; designation made 2 February 2026)):
- Roxeth
- Runs
- 2 May 2026 to 1 May 2031
- Fee
£786 for 5 years
Administration fee £686 + management and enforcement fee £100 = £786 (new and renewal). Council page shows no update date.
- Who needs one
- Any house let or occupied under a tenancy or licence in the ward (privately rented homes occupied by one or two persons or one family household).
- Exemptions
- Licensable HMOs; registered social landlord tenancies; houses under Interim/Final Management Orders; s86 temporary exemptions; tenancies exempt under SI 2006/370.
- Notes
- New ward for selective licensing in Harrow. Designation made 2 February 2026.
Selective licence
In forceLondon Borough of Harrow Designation of an area for Selective Licensing 2026 - Greenhill
- Area
The Council Ward of Greenhill, outlined in purple on the map in Annex A of the designation.
1 ward, as named in the designation (2022 wards (current; designation made 2 February 2026)):
- Greenhill
- Runs
- 6 July 2026 to 5 July 2031
- Fee
£786 for 5 years
Administration fee £686 + management and enforcement fee £100 = £786 (new and renewal).
- Who needs one
- Any house let or occupied under a tenancy or licence in the ward (privately rented homes occupied by one or two persons or one family household).
- Exemptions
- Licensable HMOs; registered social landlord tenancies; houses under Interim/Final Management Orders; s86 temporary exemptions; tenancies exempt under SI 2006/370.
- Notes
- New ward for selective licensing. Designation made 2 February 2026, in force from 6 July 2026.
Selective licence
In forceLondon Borough of Harrow Designation of an area for Selective Licensing 2026 - Marlborough
- Area
The Council Ward of Marlborough, outlined in purple on the map in Annex A of the designation.
1 ward, as named in the designation (2022 wards (current; designation made 2 February 2026)):
- Marlborough
- Runs
- 6 July 2026 to 5 July 2031
- Fee
£786 for 5 years
Administration fee £686 + management and enforcement fee £100 = £786 (new and renewal).
- Who needs one
- Any house let or occupied under a tenancy or licence in the ward (privately rented homes occupied by one or two persons or one family household).
- Exemptions
- Licensable HMOs; registered social landlord tenancies; houses under Interim/Final Management Orders; s86 temporary exemptions; tenancies exempt under SI 2006/370.
- Notes
- New ward for selective licensing. Designation made 2 February 2026, in force from 6 July 2026.
Selective licence
In forceLondon Borough of Harrow Designation of an area for Selective Licensing 2026 – Wealdstone North
- Area
The Council Ward of Wealdstone North, outlined on the map in Annex A of the designation.
1 ward, as named in the designation (2022 wards (current; designation made 2 February 2026)):
- Wealdstone North
- Runs
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031
- Fee
£786 for 5 years
Administration fee £686 + management and enforcement fee £100 = £786 (new and renewal).
- Who needs one
- Any house let or occupied under a tenancy or licence in the ward (privately rented homes occupied by one or two persons or one family household).
- Exemptions
- Licensable HMOs; registered social landlord tenancies; houses under Interim/Final Management Orders; s86 temporary exemptions; tenancies exempt under SI 2006/370.
- Notes
- Started 1 September 2026, the same day the 2021 Wealdstone designation ceased to have effect (1 September 2026 per its notice), so there was no gap. Designation made 2 February 2026.
Selective licence
In forceLondon Borough of Harrow Designation of an area for Selective Licensing 2026 – Wealdstone South
- Area
The Council Ward of Wealdstone South, outlined on the map in Annex A of the designation.
1 ward, as named in the designation (2022 wards (current; designation made 2 February 2026)):
- Wealdstone South
- Runs
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031
- Fee
£786 for 5 years
Administration fee £686 + management and enforcement fee £100 = £786 (new and renewal).
- Who needs one
- Any house let or occupied under a tenancy or licence in the ward (privately rented homes occupied by one or two persons or one family household).
- Exemptions
- Licensable HMOs; registered social landlord tenancies; houses under Interim/Final Management Orders; s86 temporary exemptions; tenancies exempt under SI 2006/370.
- Notes
- Started 1 September 2026. Designation made 2 February 2026.
Mandatory HMO licence
In forceMandatory HMO licensing (Housing Act 2004 Part 2)
- Area
National scheme, applies across the borough.
- Fee
£1,900 for 5 years
New: administration £1,400 + inspection £500 = £1,900. Renewal: £843.80 + £500 = £1,343.80. Renewal with material change: £1,900. Administration fee paid on submission; inspection fee requested before grant.
- Who needs one
- HMOs occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
- Notes
- Planning permission is needed for HMOs over 6 people, and for new licences for up to 6 people applied for on or after 12 June 2026 (Article 4 Direction). Renewals for up to 6 people are exempt from this requirement.
Selective licence
EndedLondon Borough of Harrow Designation of an area for Selective Licensing 2021 (Edgware)
- Area
The Council Ward of Edgware as marked on the map in Annex A of the 2021 designation.
1 ward, as named in the designation (pre-2022 wards):
- Edgware
- Runs
- 28 April 2021 to 27 April 2026
- Fee
Not yet confirmed
Scheme ended; replaced by the 2026 Edgware designation.
- Who needs one
- Any house let or occupied under a tenancy or licence in Edgware ward, other than licensable HMOs and exempt tenancies.
- Exemptions
- Licensable HMOs; registered social landlord tenancies; Interim/Final Management Orders; s86 temporary exemptions; SI 2006/370 exemptions.
- Notes
- Designation made 28 January 2021. Ceased 27 April 2026. The replacement 2026 Edgware designation started on 2 May 2026, leaving a 28 April to 1 May 2026 gap. Edgware had selective licensing since 2015 according to the council's consultation page.
Selective licence
EndedLondon Borough of Harrow Designation of an Area for Selective Licensing 2021 (Wealdstone)
- Area
Area delineated and edged red on the map at Annex A of the notice, with a street list (e.g. High Street, High Road, Headstone Drive, Byron Road, Station-area streets). The council refers to this as its Wealdstone selective licensing scheme.
- Runs
- 2 September 2021 to 31 August 2026
- Fee
Not yet confirmed
Scheme ended; replaced by the 2026 Wealdstone North and Wealdstone South designations.
- Who needs one
- Any privately rented property let or occupied under a tenancy or licence within the Annex A area, other than licensable HMOs.
- Notes
- Designated 27 May 2021 under the 2015 General Approval; in force 2 September 2021. The public notice says it 'shall cease to have effect on 1st September 2026', the day the 2026 Wealdstone North designation came into force, so end_date is 31 August 2026, its last day in force. Wealdstone has had selective licensing since 2016 according to the council's consultation page.
Additional HMO licence
EndedMedium confidenceLondon Borough of Harrow Designated Area Additional Licensing (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Scheme 2015
- Area
Entire borough.
- Runs
- 6 August 2021 to 5 August 2026
- Fee
£1,900 for 5 years
Council HMO fee page (no date shown, still live): new = administration £1,400 + inspection £500 = £1,900; renewal = £843.80 + £500 = £1,343.80; renewal with material change = £1,900. Section 257 licence: new £293 + £100 = £393; renewal £178 + £100 = £278. A renewal submitted after the licence expires is charged the full fee.
- Who needs one
- All HMOs within the borough not subject to mandatory licensing, including section 254 HMOs (3+ occupiers in 2+ households sharing facilities) and section 257 converted buildings.
- Notes
- The public notice says the designation was made 6 May 2021, in force 6 August 2021, ceasing 5 August 2026 'unless revoked beforehand or extended'. The notice gives the scheme name ending '2015' even though it was designated in 2021. A renewal consultation ran 19 December 2025 to 27 February 2026, and Cabinet on 18 December 2025 delegated authority to the Strategic Director to 'determine the licensing scheme'. No replacement designation, Cabinet decision or officer decision was found in Harrow's 2026 Cabinet agendas and minutes, its officer decisions list (January to October 2026) or its September to November 2026 key decision schedule. Treated as lapsed on 5 August 2026, but the council's HMO page still says 'Harrow Council operates an additional licensing scheme', and that section contains what looks like leftover drafting text ('The only final check is that the Additional Licensing section reflects Harrow's current designation wording'). Separately, a borough-wide Article 4 Direction has required planning permission for C3 to C4 conversions since 12 June 2026. The council's HMO page says new HMO licence applications made on or after 12 June 2026 for up to 6 people need planning permission, and licences of up to one year may be issued while planning is pending.
Sources
- harrow.gov.uk: hmo public notice (PDF)
- talk.harrow.gov.uk: additionalhmo licensing
- harrow.moderngov.co.uk: Cabinet Report Additional HMO Licensing.docx
- harrow.gov.uk: licences houses multiple occupation hmos
- harrow.gov.uk: 2
- moderngov.harrow.gov.uk: ieListMeetings
- moderngov.harrow.gov.uk: mgListOfficerDecisions
Article 4 for house shares
Harrow has an Article 4 direction on houses in multiple occupation. Turning a family home into a shared house may need planning permission.
- Area
- The whole council area
- Takes effect
- 12 June 2026
Civil penalty policy
The council's policy sets how it decides the size of a fine. The version we found has not been updated for the Renters' Rights Act.
Civil Penalty Notice Policy section of Harrow's Enforcement Policy 2025, approved by Cabinet 18 December 2025 and effective 31 December 2025. It still cites the Housing and Planning Act 2016 maximum of £30,000 and the 2016 MHCLG guidance; there is no Renters' Rights Act content. Covers s30, s72 (HMO licensing), s95 (selective licensing), s139(7), s234 and banning order breaches. The penalty is set from a culpability (Low/Medium/High/Very High) by harm (Category 1-3) matrix. Starting points run from £100 (Low/3) to £19,200 (Very High/1, range £8,000-£30,000); High/1 and Very High/2 start at £8,000 (range £3,200-£16,000). The penalty is then adjusted for aggravating and mitigating factors and for financial means (full means are assumed if no information is given). Early admission reduces it by up to 30% if unprompted or up to 15% after initial contact. The totality principle applies. Rent repayment orders, banning orders and POCA referrals may be pursued alongside.
Consultations
- Proposed renewal of the Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (borough-wide, further five years)Closed, awaiting decision
Closed 27 February 2026
Closed 19 October 2025
Not yet confirmed
These points were unresolved when we researched Harrow on 14 October 2026. Check them with the council before you rely on them.
- Not yet confirmed
Additional HMO licensing: the 2021 designation expired 5 August 2026 and no replacement designation or decision was found in council records up to 14 October 2026, yet the council's HMO page still says it operates an additional scheme. Confirm with private.sector.housing@harrow.gov.uk whether a renewed designation exists, and whether additional licence applications are still being accepted. The independent check (2026-10-14) also found no replacement designation or decision; landlord-facing copy should say the designation appears to have lapsed and advise confirming with the council.
- Not yet confirmed
How existing additional HMO licences issued before 5 August 2026 are treated now the designation has lapsed (council has not stated).
- Not yet confirmed
Article 4 start date: the council's Article 4 webpage says the Direction 'came into force on 11 June 2026' in one place and 'came into effect on 12 June 2026' in another. The Notice of Making and Cabinet report say it was made and in force on 12 June 2026; that date is used. Cabinet confirmed the Direction on 24 September 2026.
- Not yet confirmed
The selective fee page (£686 + £100) shows no update date and is not ward-specific. Confirm it applies to all six 2026 designations.
- Not yet confirmed
The exact boundary of the expired 2021 Wealdstone designation is defined by a map and street list rather than a named ward.
- Not yet confirmed
The civil penalty policy (Dec 2025) still uses a £30,000 maximum and has not been updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025. No RRA update was found. Not independently re-checked (verification of 2026-10-14): the policy's 31 December 2025 effective date.
- Not yet confirmed
Talk Harrow consultation page gives the selective consultation close as 19 October 2025 in the text but 1 August to 12 October 2025 in its key dates widget.
Landlord register
Licensing is separate from the national landlord register. Harrow is in London, where the planned registration window runs from 15 July 2027 to 14 October 2027. The regulations are still in draft. Register dates, fee and documents