Havering Council Expands Selective Licensing on Rogue Landlords

Key Points

• Havering Council is expanding its selective licensing scheme from three wards to seven wards: Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Alban’s and St Edwards, starting from March 2026.​
• The expansion follows the expiry of the current selective licensing scheme in January 2026.​
• A new borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme will be introduced from March 2026, replacing the existing scheme covering six wards.​
• The measures aim to raise standards, tackle poor housing conditions, reduce anti-social behaviour, and crack down on rogue landlords.​
• Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, stated that Havering has some of the highest levels of private renting compared to other London boroughs.​
• This is part of a broader trend in London, with Westminster, Islington, and Waltham Forest recently introducing or expanding selective licensing schemes; Lambeth and Southwark operating large-scale designations; and Enfield and Croydon consulting on extensions.​
• The new schemes were agreed at the Havering Council Cabinet meeting on 10 December 2025, effective from 18 March 2026 until 17 March 2031.​
• Licence fees for selective licensing are proposed at £950, with discounts for accredited landlords.​

Havering Council expands selective licensing amid rising landlord regulations

Havering Council has become the latest London borough to intensify oversight of the private rental sector by significantly expanding its selective licensing scheme. The council plans to extend coverage from three wards to seven, alongside introducing a borough-wide additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme, both effective from March 2026. This move, announced following Cabinet approval on 10 December 2025, responds to the impending expiry of existing designations in January 2026.​

As reported in the official council press release on Havering.gov.uk, the new selective licensing will apply to all privately rented properties (excluding those under mandatory or additional HMO licensing) in Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Alban’s and St Edwards. These wards were selected due to prevalent poor housing conditions, as identified in the council’s consultation.​

The borough-wide additional HMO scheme targets small shared houses not covered by mandatory licensing, aiming to ensure safer and better-managed accommodation across the entire borough. This replaces the current additional HMO designation limited to six wards.​

What prompted Havering Council’s licensing expansion?

Havering’s high levels of private renting necessitated action to improve standards borough-wide. As stated by Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, in the Havering Council news article:

“Our priority is to help protect residents and support responsible landlords. We have some of the highest levels of private renting compared to other London boroughs.”​

Councillor Ray Morgon further elaborated:

“These licensing schemes will help us raise standards, tackle poor property management, and ensure that everyone in Havering has access to safe, secure and well-maintained homes. Many landlords already do the right thing, but this licensing helps create a level playing field by targeting those who do not. We want those landlords who don’t comply, to know we will take the strongest action against them.”​

The council’s consultation, launched in April 2025 and summarised in official documents, highlighted issues like poor housing conditions and anti-social behaviour in targeted wards. The Cabinet, presented by Councillor Ray Morgon on behalf of Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, agreed to the designations under section 56 of the Housing Act 2004 on 10 December 2025.​

Implementation details include delegation to the Director of Planning and Public Protection for minor changes, statutory notifications, and administration, with the schemes running until 17 March 2031.​

Which wards will the new selective licensing cover?

The expanded selective licensing targets seven specific wards where private rentals face the most challenges. These include Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Alban’s and St Edwards, as detailed in the council’s consultation portal and news release.​

As noted in the Havering Council consultation summary, selective licensing applies to privately rented homes occupied by a single family or two unrelated sharers, excluding HMOs.​

Landlords in these areas must obtain a licence, with proposed fees of £950, offering discounts for accredited landlords and multiple properties, according to reports from Guaranteed Rent.​

What is the timeline for Havering’s new schemes?

Current schemes expire on 24 January 2026, paving the way for the new designations from 18 March 2026. Early licence applications for renewals are already possible via the council’s portal.​

The Cabinet decision on 10 December 2025 authorised full rollout, including fee adjustments and conditions as needed.democracy.havering​

Councils like Havering provide contact points such as [email protected] or 01708 432777/01708 432006 for queries.​

How does Havering’s move fit into London’s licensing trend?

Havering joins a wave of London boroughs tightening regulations on landlords. Westminster City Council introduced a borough-wide selective licensing scheme from 24 November 2025 across 15 of 18 wards, excluding Pimlico South, St James’s, and Vincent Square, with fees over £1,000 and aims to tackle poor conditions and anti-social behaviour.​

As reported by Maskells estate agents, Westminster’s scheme requires landlords to prove they are “fit and proper” and targets rogue operators in the high-demand market.​

Waltham Forest Council renewed its additional and selective schemes in July 2024, seeking government approval for borough-wide coverage (except two wards) from May 2025, as covered by London Property Licensing.​

Lambeth’s selective licensing operates in phases: Phase 1 from September 2024 in Knights Hill, Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East, and Streatham St Leonard’s; Phase 2 from September 2025 in Brixton wards, per the council’s site.​

Southwark has a selective scheme from March 2022 for single households or two sharers.​

Islington recently expanded its scheme, though specifics align with the trend of larger designations.​

Enfield and Croydon have consulted on extensions, with decisions pending, as noted in The Negotiator.​

What are the implications for landlords in Havering?

Landlords face new compliance burdens, including licensing fees, property inspections, and proof of fitness. Non-compliance risks fines, prosecution, and rent repayment orders.​

The council emphasises support for responsible landlords while targeting rogues, creating a “level playing field,” per Councillor Ray Morgon.​

Havering’s public register shows 255 mandatory HMO, 69 additional, and 3,206 selective licences as of January 2025, indicating significant rental stock.​

What challenges do tenants face in unlicensed properties?

Poor conditions, anti-social behaviour, and unsafe management plague unlicensed rentals, which these schemes address through enforcement.​

Tenants gain safer homes, with councils holding landlords accountable.​

Will fees and discounts apply to new licences?

Yes, selective licences cost £950, with reductions for accreditations and multiples; HMO fees similarly structured.​

Early applications avoid penalties.​

How can landlords prepare for compliance?

Visit Havering.gov.uk for applications, attend consultations, and ensure properties meet standards. Agents can assist, as in Westminster.