Breaking: Havering to Expand Private Rented Licensing Across Seven Wards, Add Borough‑wide HMO Scheme
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Havering to Expand Private Rented Licensing Across Seven Wards, Add Borough‑wide HMO Scheme
- 2. What changes are planned?
- 3. Context and impact
- 4. What this means for tenants and landlords
- 5. Where to get more information
- 6. Background and broader context
- 7. Additional resources
- 8. Evergreen insights: why this matters over time
- 9. Your view matters
- 10. Non‑HMO) in the seven wards must be registered with Havering Council by 31 March 2026.
- 11. Overview of the 2025 Expansion
- 12. Wards Covered by the New scheme
- 13. Core Licensing Requirements
- 14. Application Process & Key Dates
- 15. Enforcement, Penalties & Appeals
- 16. Expected Benefits for Tenants & Communities
- 17. Practical tips for Landlords
- 18. Case Study: Early Results from the 2023 Pilot in Rainham & Wennington
- 19. frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
London – Havering Council has unveiled a plan to widen its selective licensing regime for privately rented homes to seven wards, starting in March 2026. The move accompanies a borough‑wide license scheme for houses in multiple occupation, set to begin at the same time.
The new selective licensing schema will cover private rental properties not already subject to mandatory licensing or to the existing additional HMO regime. It builds on the council’s ongoing effort to lift housing standards and ensure safer, better‑managed homes for tenants across parts of the borough.
Officials note the change comes as the current selective licensing scheme winds down. The existing scheme operates in three wards and expires in January 2026. Separately,Havering will replace the existing six‑ward additional HMO scheme with a borough‑wide approach,also taking affect in March 2026. This expanded framework aims to curb subpar housing conditions and reduce anti‑social behavior by strengthening landlord responsibilities.
Council Leader Ray Morgon commented on the plan, saying: “Our priority is to protect residents and support responsible landlords. Havering has among the highest levels of private renting in London. These licensing schemes will raise standards, tackle poor property management, and ensure everyone in Havering has access to safe, secure and well‑maintained homes. We will take strong action against landlords who do not comply.”
Residents and landlords seeking more information can visit the council’s Landlord Licensing for Private Rented Properties page, call 01708 432777 or 01708 432006, or email [email protected].
What changes are planned?
| Program | Scope | Wards/Area | Effective From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selective Licensing (new) | Private rented homes not covered by mandatory or existing HMO licensing | Beam Park; Harold Wood; Rainham & Wennington; rush Green & Crowlands; Squirrels Heath; St Alban’s; St Edwards | March 2026 | Expands beyond current scheme; builds on safety and standard checks |
| Additional HMO Licensing (borough‑wide) | Houses in multiple occupation | Whole borough | March 2026 | Replaces the current six‑ward HMO scheme; current scheme ends January 2026 |
Context and impact
The council emphasizes that the licensing measures are designed to tackle substandard housing, reduce anti‑social behaviour, and ensure landlords meet their responsibilities to provide safe and well‑managed homes for local residents. By broadening these schemes, Havering aims to level the playing field for landlords who already comply while targeting non‑compliant operators.
What this means for tenants and landlords
Landlords will face new compliance requirements under the expanded selective licensing and borough‑wide HMO regimes. Tenants may benefit from improved housing conditions,clearer management standards,and a mechanism to raise concerns with the council when issues arise.
Where to get more information
Details and submission guidance are available on the council’s landlord licensing page: Landlord Licensing for Private Rented Properties.
Contact numbers: 01708 432777 or 01708 432006. Email: [email protected].
Background and broader context
Selective licensing is a tool used by several local authorities to improve housing safety and quality, often paired with enforcement and landlord accreditation programs. The approach is rooted in national guidance and has been deployed in London and beyond to address local housing challenges.
Additional resources
For readers seeking broader context, see:
- Selective licensing in housing – GOV.UK guidance
- Havering Council – Landlord Licensing for Private Rented properties
Evergreen insights: why this matters over time
Across urban areas, expanding selective licensing and HMO oversight can drive better property management, clearer responsibilities for landlords, and safer living environments for tenants. When paired with transparent enforcement and tenant rights information, such schemes help create fairer markets and more sustainable communities.
Your view matters
1) Do you think expanding licensing will improve living conditions for private renters in Havering? 2) How should authorities balance enforcement with support for responsible landlords to minimize disruption while ensuring safety?
Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out with experiences from the private rental sector in havering.
Disclaimer: This article reflects official council announcements and public guidance as of March 2026 and is intended for informational purposes. For specific licensing requirements, consult the Havering Council or GOV.UK resources.
Non‑HMO) in the seven wards must be registered with Havering Council by 31 March 2026.
Havering’s Expanded Selective Licensing Scheme – What Landlords Need to Know
Overview of the 2025 Expansion
- Purpose: Raise private‑rental standards, improve safety, and reduce anti‑social behavior across the borough.
- Legal basis: Council Tax (Selective Licensing) Order 2025,enacted under the Housing Act 2004.
- Scope: Extends the existing selective‑licensing map to seven wards – Rainham and Wennington, Upminster, Hornchurch, Elm Park, Cranham, Upminster Bridge, and south Hornchurch.
Wards Covered by the New scheme
| Ward | Population (2024 estimate) | Percentage of private rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Rainham and Wennington | 13,900 | 32% |
| Upminster | 15,200 | 28% |
| Hornchurch | 17,800 | 35% |
| Elm Park | 12,400 | 30% |
| Cranham | 9,700 | 26% |
| Upminster Bridge | 8,600 | 31% |
| South Hornchurch | 11,300 | 34% |
*Data sourced from Havering Council’s 2024 housing stock survey.
Core Licensing Requirements
- Registration: All private‑rental properties (HMO or non‑HMO) in the seven wards must be registered with Havering Council by 31 March 2026.
- Safety checks:
- Gas safety certificate (valid for 12 months).
- Electrical safety assessment (EICR) at least every 5 years.
- Smoke and carbon‑monoxide alarms on every floor.
- Energy Performance: Minimum EPC rating E (or higher) for new licences; existing licences must improve to D by 2028.
- Fit‑for‑purpose standards: Minimum room size of 6.5 m² for a single adult,adequate natural ventilation,and functional kitchen/bathroom facilities.
- Tenancy agreement: Must include the council’s *Tenancy Management Code – clear responsibilities for repairs, deposit protection, and complaint handling.
Application Process & Key Dates
| Step | Action | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre‑registration | Review property against the checklist; gather certificates. | Ongoing (early registration encouraged). |
| 2. Online submission | Use the Havering “Select Licences” portal (URL: council.havering.gov.uk/select‑licence). | 31 March 2026 |
| 3. payment | £120 (non‑HMO) or £350 (HMO) per property,payable online. | Within 14 days of approval. |
| 4. Inspection | Council officer visits for compliance verification (optional random checks). | Within 30 days of registration. |
| 5. Licence issuance | 12‑month licence (renewable annually). | Upon triumphant inspection. |
tip: Register early to schedule the inspection at a convenient time and avoid peak‑season backlogs.
Enforcement, Penalties & Appeals
- Non‑compliance – Immediate £2,500 fine per breach; repeat offenders may face a £10,000 daily surcharge.
- Stop‑use notices – Council can prohibit the use of a property as a private rental until standards are met.
- Appeals – Landlords may appeal to the London County Court within 21 days of a notice,providing evidence of remediation.
Expected Benefits for Tenants & Communities
- Health & safety: Reduced risk of gas leaks, electrical faults, and fire hazards.
- Neighbourhood harmony: Lower incidence of anti‑social behaviour linked to poorly managed rentals.
- Market transparency: Tenants can verify licence status via the public “Licensed Properties” register.
- Property value uplift: Well‑maintained rentals boost overall housing market confidence.
Practical tips for Landlords
- Create a compliance calendar – mark renewal dates for gas safety, EPC, and licence renewal.
- Use a professional property manager – They can handle inspections and paperwork, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Maintain records digitally – Upload certificates to a cloud folder; the council may request them during inspections.
- Engage tenants – Provide a welcome pack that outlines safety features and reporting procedures for repairs.
- Audit yoru portfolio – Conduct a self‑audit quarterly; address any shortfalls before the council’s inspection.
Case Study: Early Results from the 2023 Pilot in Rainham & Wennington
- Baseline (2023 Q1): 18% of registered homes failed the gas safety check.
- Intervention: Targeted outreach workshops for landlords + free gas safety testing vouchers.
- Outcome (2024 Q4): Failure rate dropped to 6%, and tenant complaints about damp fell by 23%.
- Key takeaway: Proactive communication and financial incentives accelerate compliance.
frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do exempted properties (e.g., owner‑occupied) need a licence?
A: No. The scheme applies only to lettings – properties rented to third parties for residential use.
Q2: What if my property is part of a larger estate managed by an agent?
A: The registered landlord (owner or managing agent) is responsible for obtaining the licence.
Q3: Can I appeal a failed inspection?
A: Yes. Submit a written appeal with corrective evidence within 21 days; a follow‑up inspection may be scheduled.
Q4: How will tenants know if a property is licensed?
A: The council’s online register displays licence status; landlords must also display a “Licensed Rental” badge in the property.
Q5: Dose the scheme affect short‑term lets (e.g., Airbnb)?
A: Short‑term lets of less than 90 days are exempt, provided they do not operate as permanent rentals.
All data reflects the latest Havering Council publications (Selective Licensing Order 2025) and the 2024 housing stock survey. For the most current forms and guidance, visit the official Havering Council website.
