Hammersmith and Fulham Licence Renewal: What Happens When the Schemes Expire in 2027

Both of LBHF's discretionary licensing schemes — additional HMO and selective — expire on 4 June 2027. Mandatory HMO licensing has no expiry date because it's national law. If you hold a discretionary licence, you need to understand what happens next.

Scheme Expiry vs Licence Expiry

The scheme designation runs for five years: 5 June 2022 to 4 June 2027. But individual licences are also granted for up to five years from the date of issue. If your licence was granted in, say, September 2024, it could run until September 2029 — well past the scheme expiry.

A licence that was validly granted continues for its full term even after the scheme it was issued under expires. You don't lose your licence on 4 June 2027.

What If LBHF Renews the Scheme?

If the council decides to renew either scheme, it must consult under the Housing Act 2004. Section 80(9) sets the consultation requirement for selective licensing; Section 56(3) sets it for additional HMO licensing. Since December 2024, councils no longer need the Secretary of State's approval for selective schemes covering more than 20% of their area — the General Approval 2024 removed that cap.

If a new designation comes into force, landlords whose existing licences are still valid won't need to re-apply until their current licence expires. New landlords or those whose licences have lapsed will need to apply under the new scheme.

What If the Scheme Isn't Renewed?

If LBHF doesn't renew the selective scheme, properties on the 24 designated streets that are single-household lets no longer need a licence after 4 June 2027 (unless the occupancy changes to trigger HMO rules). Existing licences continue for their remaining term, but there's no obligation to renew.

The additional scheme works the same way. If it's not renewed, properties with three or four sharers would only need licensing if they meet the mandatory HMO threshold (five or more occupants from two or more households). Section 257 buildings would also fall out of licensing unless a new additional scheme is designated.

What Landlords Should Do Now

If your licence expires before June 2027, submit a renewal application before the expiry date. Submitting before expiry maintains continuous statutory protection — you can operate lawfully while LBHF processes the renewal. Don't wait for the expiry date; processing takes weeks.

If your licence runs past June 2027, no action is needed now. Keep complying with the licence conditions. Watch for consultation announcements from LBHF about whether the schemes will be renewed.

If you haven't applied yet, don't wait for the scheme to near its end. Operating without a licence until June 2027 doesn't mean you'll avoid the obligation — LBHF can issue penalties retrospectively for the period you were unlicensed, and tenants can pursue rent repayment orders covering up to 24 months for qualifying offences committed on or after 1 May 2026. Earlier offences remain subject to a 12-month maximum.

For the complete licensing walkthrough, see the Hammersmith and Fulham Landlord Licensing Guide.

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