Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional HMO licensing | The whole Borough of Tower Hamlets | 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029 | £1,323 online (£618 Part A, £787.50 Part B); £1,550.50 postal (£707 Part A, £926 Part B) |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole borough: HMOs with five or more occupiers in two or more households sharing amenities, and certain flats in blocks of up to two flats | not published to no end date | £977 online new or renewal (£453.50 Part A, £583.50 Part B); £1,147 postal; plus £68.50 per habitable room |
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- A smaller HMO inside an additional licensing area: yes, additional licence.
- A single-household let: no local scheme recorded, but check the council’s site for new consultations.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Tower Hamlets Council website. Published fees: Additional HMO licensing £1,323 online (£618 Part A, £787.50 Part B); £1,550.50 postal (£707 Part A, £926 Part B); Mandatory HMO licensing £977 online new or renewal (£453.50 Part A, £583.50 Part B); £1,147 postal; plus £68.50 per habitable room.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Council states that letting an unlicensed property that should be licensed can lead to an unlimited fine on conviction or a financial penalty of up to £40,000, plus rent repayment orders and loss of no-fault possession grounds under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
What else to know about Tower Hamlets Council
- Selective licensing in Weavers, Whitechapel and Banglatown & Spitalfields ran from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2026; from 1 October 2026 there is no selective licensing scheme in the borough.
- The council warns that licence applications are currently taking up to 12 months to complete.
- Online applications are cheaper than postal ones, and the council charges £157.50 for missing documents on additional licence applications and £40 per hour to prepare floor plans.
- The first additional HMO scheme began in April 2019; the current borough-wide designation started on 1 April 2024.
- The council says it has helped tenants secure more than £1.3 million through rent repayment orders across its licensing schemes, including over £31,000 for five tenants of an unlicensed Bethnal Green flat in March 2026.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tower Hamlets Council have selective licensing?
We have no selective licensing scheme recorded for Tower Hamlets Council as of 9 October 2026.
Does Tower Hamlets Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: The whole Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://landlord-licensing.towerhamlets.gov.uk/PSH/ServiceRequests/Default/MyServicesLogin