Islington Property Licensing Portal: How to Apply Online
The Portal Is the Only Route
Islington processes property licence applications online through its portal at propertylicensing.islington.gov.uk. You'll need to create an account before you can start an application.
The first thing to understand: the portal has a documented history of session crashes and timeout errors. Landlords who haven't pre-assembled their information risk losing unsaved data when the system drops them mid-session. The error messages aren't always helpful — you might see a generic "An unexpected problem has occurred" with a reference code and nothing else.
Before You Log In
Have everything ready before you touch the portal:
- Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, EPC, any required fire risk assessment, and floor plans — all as digital files ready to upload
- Tenancy agreements for all current occupants
- Contact details for the proposed licence holder and property manager
- Confirmation that you've served written statutory notices on all relevant persons (freeholders, mortgage lenders, head lessees, managing agents)
Pre-assembly turns the portal session from a multi-hour ordeal into a 20-minute upload. Without it, you're searching for documents while the portal's session timer counts down.
Step by Step Through the Application
1. Register your account. Standard email and password setup. Keep these credentials — you'll use the same account for renewals, variations, and accessing your licence certificates.
2. Select your licence type. The portal offers mandatory HMO, additional HMO, Section 257, and selective licence routes. Pick the wrong one and you'll need to start over — Part A fees are non-refundable regardless.
3. Enter property and occupancy details. Exact address, number of occupants, number of households, bedroom count, and property layout information.
4. Upload documents. Every certificate, floor plan, and tenancy agreement goes in here. Check that files aren't corrupted before uploading.
5. Certify statutory notifications. The portal asks you to confirm that all relevant persons have been formally notified of the licence application. Certify this only after the required notices have been served.
6. Pay Part A. The application is legally "made" only once Part A is paid and all fields are complete. A saved draft in the portal provides no legal protection against enforcement.
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Common Portal Issues
Session timeouts: the portal can drop you without warning, especially during document uploads. Save progress frequently if the option exists, and keep copies of everything you've entered.
Incorrect licence type: the application should match the property's licensing category. Incorrect details risk rejection, and Part A is non-refundable if the application is refused, withdrawn, or rejected for incorrect details.
Missing documents: submitting with gaps invites rejection or repeated requests for additional information. Two formal requests for missing documents disqualifies you from all fee discounts.
After Submission
The council reviews your application, runs fit-and-proper person checks, and may schedule a property inspection. Processing times vary. An application is legally "made" only when the form is complete, mandatory safety certificates are uploaded, and the Part A fee is paid; a saved draft does not provide legal protection against enforcement.
Once approved, you'll receive a draft licence and a request for Part B payment. After Part B is paid, the full licence certificate is issued.
The Islington Landlord Licensing Guide includes a portal navigation walkthrough and a pre-login preparation checklist.
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