Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004
Hillingdon Council has implemented a borough-wide licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation under Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004.
Hillingdon Council's Cabinet approved a borough-wide licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004 in February 2026. The scheme, which aims to improve housing standards, had a compliance deadline of 23 August 2026, with enforcement commencing on 24 August 2026.
The scheme, approved for a period of five years, allows local authorities to implement licensing schemes for HMOs. A report to the council's cabinet noted that consultation showed strong support from four in five respondents.
Key facts
- Enforcement of Hillingdon Council's HMO licensing scheme commenced on 24 August 2026. Source
- The compliance deadline for Hillingdon Council's HMO licensing scheme was 23 August 2026. Source
- Hillingdon Council's Cabinet approved the borough-wide HMO licensing scheme on 19 February 2026. Source
- The Hillingdon Council HMO licensing scheme is for a period of five years. Source
- Consultation for Hillingdon's scheme showed strong support from four in five respondents. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.