Last updated: January 2026

1. Introduction

This Cookies Policy explains how Property Hub Ltd ("Property Hub", "we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website www.propertyhubltd.com (the Website).

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we use personal data more generally.

By continuing to browse or use our Website, you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy, unless you have adjusted your browser or cookie settings to refuse them.

2. What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that is stored on your browser or the hard drive of your computer or device when you visit a website, if you agree. Cookies contain information that is transferred to your device and allow websites to recognise users, remember preferences, and improve functionality.

Cookies do not typically contain information that directly identifies you, but they may be linked to personal data that we hold about you.

3. Why We Use Cookies

• Distinguish you from other users of our Website
• Enable core Website functionality
• Improve performance and usability
• Understand how visitors interact with our Website
• Deliver relevant content and advertising where applicable

This helps us provide a better user experience and improve our digital services.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

a) Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation of our Website and cannot be switched off in our systems. They include cookies that:

• Enable secure log-in areas
• Allow use of forms and enquiry systems
• Support online services such as billing or payments

Without these cookies, the Website cannot function properly.

b) Analytical / Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around the Website. This helps us:

• Analyse Website traffic
• Measure performance
• Improve navigation and content

Information collected is aggregated and anonymised where possible.

c) Functionality Cookies

These cookies are used to recognise you when you return to our Website. They enable us to:

• Personalise content
• Remember preferences such as language or region
• Improve user convenience

d) Marketing and Targeting Cookies

These cookies record:

• Your visit to our Website
• Pages you have visited
• Links you have followed

We may use this information to make our Website more relevant to your interests, deliver targeted advertising, and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

These cookies may be set by us or by third-party advertising partners.

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our Website are placed by third parties over whom we have no control. These may include analytics providers, advertising networks, and social media platforms.

Examples include services provided by companies such as Google and Meta (Facebook). These third parties may use cookies in accordance with their own privacy and cookies policies.

6. Managing and Blocking Cookies

You can control and manage cookies in various ways. Please note that removing or blocking cookies may impact your user experience and parts of the Website may not function correctly.

• Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies
• Set your browser to notify you before cookies are placed
• Use cookie preference tools where available on our Website

Instructions for managing cookies can usually be found in your browser’s help section. If you choose to block all cookies, including strictly necessary cookies, you may not be able to access all or parts of our Website.

7. Cookie Consent

Where required by law, we use a cookie consent mechanism to obtain your consent for non-essential cookies. You may update or withdraw your consent at any time through the cookie settings available on our Website.

8. Further Information

For more information about the cookies we use and how your personal data is handled, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

If you have any questions about this Cookies Policy, please contact us at:

Email: info@propertyhubltd.com

Landlord Licensing Schemes & HMO Licensing Regulations (London – 2026 Update)

Property licensing across London has expanded significantly in 2026. While Mandatory HMO Licensing remains a nationwide legal requirement, Additional HMO and Selective Licensing schemes now operate across most London boroughs, with varying rules, ward coverage and fees.

Failure to hold the correct licence can result in fines of up to £30,000, rent repayment orders, criminal prosecution, and the loss of Section 21 possession rights.

Property Hub Ltd helps landlords navigate these complex and constantly changing requirements.

What Is Landlord Licensing?

Landlord licensing is enforced under the Housing Act 2004 and is designed to:

• Improve property standards and safety
• Reduce overcrowding and poor management
• Protect tenants
• Enable councils to regulate private renting

Licensing obligations apply to:

• Landlords
• Property owners
• Managing agents acting under written instruction

Each London borough operates its own schemes, meaning licensing requirements vary by location, property type and occupancy.

The Three Types of Property Licensing

1. Mandatory HMO Licensing (All London Boroughs)

This applies nationwide and is unchanged in 2026.

A licence is required if a property:

• Is occupied by 5 or more people
• Forms 2 or more households
• Shares facilities (kitchen, bathroom, toilet)

This applies regardless of the number of storeys.

2. Additional HMO Licensing

Councils may require licences for smaller HMOs, typically:

• 3–4 occupants
• 2 or more households
• Converted flats not meeting 1991 Building Regulations

This is now one of the fastest-growing schemes across London.

Major New Schemes & Updates (2026)

Central & North London

• Camden – Borough-wide Additional (HMOs with 3+ people)
• City of London – Mandatory only
• Haringey – Borough-wide Additional; Selective in 15+ wards
• Islington – Borough-wide Additional (renewed Feb 2026); Selective in 10 wards
• Westminster – Selective licensing active across 15 wards (since late 2025)

East & South-East London

• Barking & Dagenham – Borough-wide Selective
• Greenwich – Borough-wide Additional; Selective in specific wards
• Hackney – Borough-wide Additional; Selective in 10+ wards
• Havering – Borough-wide Additional; Selective in Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & others
• Newham – Borough-wide Additional & Selective (excluding Royal Victoria & Stratford Olympic Park)
• Redbridge – Borough-wide Additional; Selective in most wards
• Tower Hamlets – Borough-wide Additional; Selective in 19 wards

West & South-West London

• Ealing – Borough-wide Additional; Selective in 10+ wards
• Hammersmith & Fulham – Borough-wide Additional; Selective on 24 specific streets
• Hounslow – Borough-wide Additional; Selective in designated wards
• Kensington & Chelsea – Additional HMO licensing for all 3+ person HMOs
• Lambeth – Selective licensing across 10+ wards (expanded late 2025)
• Wandsworth – Borough-wide Additional; Selective expanding April 2026

Typical 2026 Licence Fees

• Selective Licensing: £600 – £1,000
• Additional HMO: £900 – £1,500
• Mandatory HMO: £1,200 – £2,500+ (often room-based)

Common Discounts

• EPC C or above: £50–£100 reduction
• Accreditation: NRLA / LLAS members often receive ~10% discount
• Multiple properties: Reduced fees for blocks or portfolios

Enforcement Warning – 2026

• London councils now use Council Tax data-matching and tenancy intelligence to identify unlicensed rentals
• You cannot serve a Section 21 notice
• You may face a Rent Repayment Order (up to 12 months’ rent)
• You risk civil penalties up to £30,000
• Serious cases can lead to banning orders and public registers

How Property Hub Ltd Supports Landlords

• Identifying which licences apply to your property
• Advising on mandatory, additional and selective schemes
• Assisting with applications (where instructed)
• Supporting compliance across multiple London boroughs

Licensing mistakes are costly — compliance is always cheaper than enforcement

Need Licensing Advice?

Property Hub Ltd – Lettings Team

info@propertyhubltd.com

0208 903 1002