Islington Selective Licensing Scheme starts on 20 May 2024

Monday, May 20th, 2024 - Islington Council

Date: Monday 20 May 2024

A new selective licensing scheme comes into force in the London Borough of Islington on 20 May 2024. 

The new selective licensing scheme covers the three council wards of:

• Finsbury Park
• Tollington
• Hillrise

Within this area, a licence application must be submitted for all private rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers.

If you are unsure whether your property is within these three council wards, you can find a postcode checker on the Council’s Website You can also view a map of the selective licensing area here.

Previous selective licensing scheme

On 1 February 2021, a selective licensing scheme was introduced in the Finsbury Park council ward based on the old ward boundary in force at that time. 

When the new selective licensing scheme starts, we understand that previous scheme will be revoked. Selective licences issued under the previous scheme will remain in force until the expiry date printed on the licence. No action is needed until it is time to renew the licence. 

HMO licensing 

Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are already covered by separate licensing schemes. They need to be licensed under Islington Council’s mandatory HMO and additional licensing schemes that extend borough wide.   

When can I apply?

Islington Council started to accept licence applications for their new selective licensing scheme on 1 April 2024. You can access their online application system here.

To accompany your licence application, the council have told us you need to provide:

• Electrical Installation Condition Report. 
• Gas Safety Certificate (if there are any gas appliances).
• Energy Performance Certificate.
• Portable Appliance Test Certificate (if applicable)
• Copy of the Tenancy Agreement
• Floor plans – showing the layout of the premises and room sizes
• Fire safety certificate – (if there is a mains wired fire alarm system)
• Landlord accreditation certificate (if claiming the accreditation discount) 

How much will a selective licence application cost?

There is a fixed fee of £800 per property.

The fee is paid in two instalments: £450 at the time of application and £350 when the licence is ready to be approved.

There is a £75 discount for accredited landlords.

Looking for more information?

You can visit the Council’s website or email propertylicensing@islington.gov.uk.

London Property Licensing has published a free guide with more detailed information about property licensing and HMO planning rules in the London Borough of Islington, available here.