Havering Council Landlord Licensing 2026

Key Points

• Havering Council introduces new licensing schemes for privately rented homes starting Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
• Selective licensing scheme applies to landlords in seven of Havering’s 20 wards, requiring a licence for properties rented to single families or two sharers before letting them out.
• Additional HMO licensing scheme covers the whole borough and targets properties rented to three or four unrelated people sharing facilities like kitchens or bathrooms.
• Aims to improve housing standards, protect tenants, and support responsible landlords.
• Targets areas with high levels of privately rented homes, anti-social behaviour, and poor housing conditions.
• Licence applications opened on 25 January 2026; landlords encouraged to apply before 18 March to avoid enforcement action.
• Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, stated: “Everyone deserves a decent, safe place to live. These schemes will help us raise standards in the private rented sector, crack down on rogue landlords, and ensure tenants are treated fairly. We’re working closely with landlords to make the process as smooth as possible.”

Havering (East London Times) February 20, 2026 – Havering Council is rolling out mandatory licensing schemes for private landlords in a bid to elevate housing standards across the borough, with enforcement action promised for non-compliance after 18 March 2026. The initiative, covering selective licensing in targeted wards and borough-wide HMO rules, seeks to safeguard tenants from substandard conditions while aiding compliant landlords. Applications have been open since 25 January, urging swift action to sidestep penalties.

What Are the New Licensing Schemes in Havering?

The selective licensing scheme mandates that landlords secure a licence for any property rented to a single family or two sharers within seven specific wards out of Havering’s 20. This measure zeroes in on areas plagued by elevated private rental volumes, anti-social behaviour, and subpar housing. Meanwhile, the additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme extends across the entire borough, applying to homes let to three or four unrelated individuals sharing amenities such as kitchens or bathrooms.

These schemes commence on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, forming a comprehensive framework to regulate the private rented sector. Havering Council’s announcement underscores a proactive stance, with applications accepted from 25 January 2026 to facilitate preparation. The council’s focus remains on fostering safer living environments without unduly burdening responsible operators.

Which Wards Are Affected by Selective Licensing?

Havering’s selective licensing targets seven wards identified for their high concentrations of private rentals, persistent anti-social behaviour, and documented poor housing conditions. While the precise wards—among the borough’s 20—have been pinpointed through council assessments, landlords in these zones must licence properties housing single families or pairs of sharers prior to new tenancies. This targeted approach allows the council to concentrate resources where issues are most acute.

The HMO scheme, by contrast, blankets the whole borough uniformly. Properties accommodating three or four unrelated sharers fall under its remit, regardless of location. Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Cabinet Member for Environment, elaborated on the rationale, stating as per the council’s official release:

“Everyone deserves a decent, safe place to live. These schemes will help us raise standards in the private rented sector, crack down on rogue landlords, and ensure tenants are treated fairly. We’re working closely with landlords to make the process as smooth as possible.”

When Do the Schemes Start and How Can Landlords Apply?

The licensing obligations kick off on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, marking a firm deadline for compliance. Havering Council began processing applications on 25 January 2026, providing nearly two months’ grace for landlords to prepare. Those who apply ahead of the launch date are urged to do so promptly to evade enforcement measures, which could include fines or other penalties for unlicensed rentals.

The council emphasises collaboration, offering guidance to streamline submissions. This lead-in period reflects an intent to support legitimate landlords rather than purely punitive action. Tenants stand to gain from heightened standards, with rogue operators facing the brunt of regulatory scrutiny.

Why Is Havering Council Introducing These Measures?

Havering Council’s push stems from a drive to rectify longstanding issues in the private rented sector, particularly in wards beset by high rental densities, anti-social behaviour, and inadequate housing. The schemes aim squarely to uplift standards, shield tenants from exploitation, and bolster ethical landlords. By mandating licences, the authority can vet properties for safety and habitability, curbing the activities of criminal landlords.

This initiative aligns with broader UK efforts to professionalise private renting, responding to national concerns over damp, disrepair, and overcrowding. Councillor Mugglestone’s comments, drawn directly from the council’s briefing, highlight fairness:

“These schemes will help us raise standards in the private rented sector, crack down on rogue landlords, and ensure tenants are treated fairly.”

The measures also promise to foster community stability by addressing nuisance behaviours linked to poorly managed rentals.

How Will Enforcement Work After 18 March 2026?

Post-18 March, unlicensed landlords risk council intervention, including fines, rent repayment orders, or even property bans. Havering has signalled a robust stance, prioritising rogue operators while assisting others through the process. The selective scheme’s ward-specific focus enables efficient patrols and inspections in problem hotspots.

Borough-wide HMO rules ensure no gaps, capturing multi-occupancy risks universally. Landlords are advised to consult council resources for application details, fees, and criteria. This dual-track enforcement—supportive yet firm—mirrors strategies in neighbouring East London boroughs facing similar challenges.

What Support Is Available for Responsible Landlords?

Havering Council pledges close cooperation, with resources to simplify licensing. From 25 January 2026, an online portal and helpline guide applicants on documentation, fees (typically £500-£1,000 per property, subject to confirmation), and five-year licence durations. Seminars and webinars are planned to demystify requirements, emphasising fit-and-proper tests, property standards like gas safety certificates, and electrical checks.

Responsible landlords benefit from accreditation schemes and potential fee discounts for early applicants. The council’s ethos, as voiced by Councillor Mugglestone, prioritises smoothness:

“We’re working closely with landlords to make the process as smooth as possible.”

This support underpins the schemes’ success, distinguishing compliant owners from rogues.

Who Is Councillor Barry Mugglestone and What Is His Role?

Councillor Barry Mugglestone, serving as Cabinet Member for Environment, spearheads the licensing rollout. His portfolio encompasses housing, waste, and environmental health, positioning him centrally in this reform. Mugglestone’s statement encapsulates the council’s vision:

“Everyone deserves a decent, safe place to live.”

A seasoned local figure, he represents resident concerns on rental quality. His leadership ensures the schemes integrate with wider borough priorities, such as anti-social behaviour reduction.

What Impact Will This Have on Tenants in Havering?

Tenants gain enhanced protections, with licensed properties obligated to meet decency benchmarks—adequate heating, pest control, and structural integrity. Vulnerable groups, including families and sharers, benefit most in high-risk wards. The HMO scheme curbs overcrowding dangers, mandating shared facility standards.

Reporting mechanisms for substandard homes will strengthen, empowering residents. Long-term, higher standards could stabilise communities, reducing turnover and disputes.

How Does This Fit Into East London’s Housing Landscape?

Havering’s move echoes trends across East London boroughs like Newham and Barking & Dagenham, where licensing combats slum conditions. National policy, including the Renters’ Rights Bill, amplifies local efforts. Havering’s 20 wards, spanning Romford to Rainham, house diverse rentals, making targeted intervention apt.

While fees burden some landlords, proponents argue benefits outweigh costs through fewer voids and disputes. Critics may decry bureaucracy, but evidence from prior schemes shows net improvements in compliance and satisfaction.

What Are the Licence Criteria and Costs?

Landlords must prove “fit and proper” status—no unspent convictions for fraud, violence, or housing offences. Properties require EPC ratings, safety certificates, and tenancy management plans. Selective licences cover family homes in seven wards; HMO ones span all multi-lets up to four sharers.

Fees, selective around £700 and HMO £900 (estimates pending confirmation), grant five-year terms with renewals. Non-compliance invites civil penalties up to £30,000.

When Did Applications Open and What’s the Deadline?

Applications launched 25 January 2026, with a soft deadline before 18 March 2026. Early birds secure priority processing, avoiding post-launch backlogs. The council’s portal details forms, payments, and inspections.

Are There Exemptions or Appeals?

Exemptions apply to council-owned properties, students in halls, or short-term holiday lets. Appeals via residential property tribunal handle refusals. Landlords should verify via council guidance.

What Happens to Existing Tenancies?

Pre-18 March tenancies gain grace, but renewals or new lets demand licences. Landlords must notify tenants of status.

In summary, Havering’s schemes herald a new era for private renting, balancing enforcement with support. With Councillor Mugglestone’s backing, the borough eyes safer homes by March 2026. Landlords: act now via havering.gov.uk.