Thousands more renters to benefit as landlord licensing scheme expands

The decision means the selective licensing scheme, which currently applies to Finsbury Park, Hillrise, and Tollington wards, will be extended to seven more wards: Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction and, Laycock.   

Furthermore, the borough-wide additional House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme—covering homes shared by three or four unrelated people—will be renewed beyond its February 2026 expiry until 2031. 

This expansion will bring thousands more privately rented homes under regulation, helping ensure tenants have safe, high-quality housing and that landlords are held accountable for maintaining their properties. 

Nearly a third of homes in Islington are privately rented, and the council is committed to standing alongside renters who too often face poor conditions and rising rents. The licensing schemes are a key part of that commitment, targeting areas where renters are most vulnerable and ensuring landlords meet their responsibilities. 

Cllr John Woolf, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “Everyone in Islington deserves a decent, safe and genuinely affordable place to live. We’ve listened to residents, landlords and housing campaigners and we’re taking action. 

“While many landlords in Islington act responsibly and maintain their properties well, we continue to hear from hundreds of renters who feel unsafe and unheard, while their rents keep rising. This new scheme is about giving renters the protection they need—and the quality housing they deserve.” 

During the public consultation, the council received 1,081 responses. 

Tenants can check whether their landlord has a licence via the council’s Landlord Licence Public Register. Islington also has other licensing schemes to protect private renters who live in shared accommodation across the borough.   

More details and information on how to apply are available on the council’s website.