Islington selective licensing expands on 23 November 2026. From that date most privately rented homes in seven more Islington wards need a selective licence from the council, on top of the three wards already covered since 2024. Letting a home that needs a licence without one is an offence, and since 1 May 2026 the penalties have risen. This guide explains which wards and homes are covered, the exemptions, and how to apply.
Which wards Islington selective licensing covers
The council has designated The London Borough of Islington Designation of an Area for Selective Licensing 2026 under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004. It was made on 21 August 2026, comes into force at 12:00am on 23 November 2026 and ends at 11:59pm on 22 November 2031, unless the council revokes it sooner. It covers these wards:
- Barnsbury
- Caledonian
- Tufnell Park
- Mildmay
- Highbury
- Junction
- Laycock
Islington's existing selective licensing scheme for Finsbury Park, Tollington and Hillrise, in force since 2024, continues alongside it. Check the ward for any address with the council before you let.
Which homes need a licence
In those wards the scheme covers privately rented homes occupied by a single person, two people sharing, or a single household. It does not cover:
- houses in multiple occupation that need a mandatory or additional HMO licence (they are licensed under those schemes instead);
- owner-occupied homes; or
- social rented homes.
If the property is shared, our guide to HMO licensing in London explains which licence applies.
Penalties for an unlicensed home
Letting a home that needs a selective licence without one is an offence under section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. Since 1 May 2026 a council can prosecute or impose a civil penalty of up to £40,000 for offences, and the government's civil penalties guidance suggests a starting point of £12,000 for an unlicensed selectively licensed home. Tenants or the council can also seek a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026.
How to apply for an Islington selective licence
- Confirm the property's ward and that it is a single household or two-person let.
- Gather the current gas safety record, EICR, EPC and tenancy details.
- Apply online through Islington Council. Applications opened on 7 September 2026.
- Meet the licence conditions for the whole five-year period.
Islington's property licensing team can be contacted at [email protected] or on 020 7527 7670, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
How AIHPG helps Islington landlords
AIHPG is based at Wenlock Road, N1, and manages homes across Islington. For managed properties we check which scheme applies, prepare the application with the safety certificates already on file, and keep the licence conditions met for the life of the licence.
Licensing handled, start to finish
We check which scheme applies, prepare the application with the certificates already on file, and keep the conditions met for the life of the licence.
Talk to us about management →Frequently asked questions about Islington selective licensing
When does the new Islington selective licensing scheme start?
At 12:00am on 23 November 2026. It runs until 11:59pm on 22 November 2031 unless the council revokes it earlier. It covers Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction and Laycock wards, alongside the existing 2024 scheme in Finsbury Park, Tollington and Hillrise.
Does my HMO need a selective licence?
No. Houses in multiple occupation that need a mandatory or additional HMO licence are exempt from selective licensing, because they are licensed under those schemes instead. Selective licensing covers homes let to a single person, two people sharing or a single household in the designated wards.
What happens if I let without a licence?
It is an offence under section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. The council can prosecute or impose a civil penalty of up to £40,000, and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent can follow for offences from 1 May 2026. Apply before 23 November 2026 if your home is in one of the seven wards.
This guide is general information for landlords. Check the current scheme details and fees with Islington Council before applying.
