Harrow Licence Conditions: Waste, Anti-Social Behaviour and Ongoing Compliance

Getting the licence is only the first step. Every Harrow property licence — selective or HMO — comes with mandatory conditions that remain in force for the licence term, which can be up to five years. Breaching a licence condition is itself a separate offence that can result in a civil penalty of up to £40,000.

The conditions Harrow attaches go beyond the generic Housing Act 2004 defaults. The council adopted updated licence conditions in December 2025, including a new mandatory waste disposal standard that applies across all property licences.

The Waste Condition

Licence holders must provide adequate commercial-grade, impervious wheeled refuse bins sited within the property boundary — side or rear, not cluttering the front garden. Tenants need written waste collection schedules and clear instructions on waste segregation.

This condition reflects a borough-wide problem with overflowing bins and dumped rubbish in the private rented sector. It's specifically included in the December 2025 Cabinet conditions, and enforcement officers do check.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Licence holders must take reasonable steps to prevent anti-social behaviour by tenants and visitors. In practice this means having a written anti-social behaviour management plan, taking documented action if complaints are received, and keeping records of any issues and your response.

You're not expected to resolve every neighbour dispute, but you are expected to have a process. If the council receives ASB complaints about your property and you can't show you took reasonable steps, that's a licence condition breach.

Tenant Referencing and Right to Rent

Licence conditions require you to obtain references for tenants and conduct right-to-rent checks under the Immigration Act 2014. You need to keep copies of the verification documents and tenancy agreements on file.

Record Keeping

Harrow requires licence holders to maintain a formal compliance audit file for the five-year licence term. This should contain:

• Current Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, and EPC
• Quarterly fire alarm test logs (for HMOs)
• Annual emergency lighting test certificates (for HMOs)
• Written tenancy agreements and deposit protection documentation
• Property inspection logs from landlord or agent visits (minimum twice a year)
• Waste disposal notifications provided to tenants
• Any ASB complaints and your response

All tenant personal data must be handled in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

HMO Display Requirement

If your property is an HMO, the licence summary must be displayed in a communal area where tenants can see it.

Changes During the Licence Term

Any material change — new managing agent, updated contact details, structural alterations, changed occupancy — must be reported to Harrow Council within 21 calendar days through the MyHarrow portal. Minor variations like contact number changes are processed free. Changes that expand permitted occupancy require an admin fee and re-inspection.

The licence itself is non-transferable. If you sell the property, the licence lapses and the buyer must apply for a new one.

For the full conditions list, ongoing compliance requirements, and printable tracking templates, see our Harrow landlord licensing guide.

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