From 18 March 2026, the London Borough of Havering is introducing new Selective Licensing and Additional HMO Licensing schemes.
These schemes will affect both shared houses and standard single-let properties across parts of the borough.
This guide explains:
- When the schemes launch
- Which properties are affected
- Which wards fall under Selective Licensing
- How enforcement works
- What letting agents should do next
If you manage properties in Havering, this is what you need to know.
When Do Havering’s Licensing Schemes Start?
Havering’s new licensing schemes go live on:
18 March 2026
Applications are open in advance of the launch date.
The schemes will run for five years unless extended.
What Is the Difference Between Selective and Additional Licensing?
Understanding the distinction is important.
Selective Licensing (Havering 2026)
Selective licensing applies to all privately rented properties, not just HMOs, within designated wards.
That means:
- Standard single-let houses
- Standard single-let flats
- Family homes rented to one household
If the property sits within one of the selected wards, it may require a licence, even if it is not an HMO.
Additional Licensing (Havering 2026)
Additional licensing applies borough-wide and covers:
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
- Typically smaller HMOs not captured by Mandatory Licensing
This includes properties occupied by:
- Three or more people
- Forming two or more households
- Sharing facilities
Additional licensing is separate from Mandatory HMO Licensing and captures properties below that national threshold.
Which Havering Wards Are Included in the Selective Licensing Scheme?
Selective licensing will apply to properties located within the following wards:
- Beam Park
- Harold Wood
- Rainham & Wennington
- Rush Green & Crowlands
- Squirrels Heath
- St Albans
- St Edwards
If a property is located within one of these wards, a licence may be required, even if it is let to a single family.
Agents should check postcode boundaries carefully, as properties close to ward borders can sometimes be assumed exempt when they are not.
Does Selective Licensing Apply to Single Lets?
Yes.
This is one of the most common areas of confusion.
Selective licensing does not only apply to HMOs.
It applies to standard privately rented properties within the designated wards.
Letting agents managing single-family homes within the affected areas must check whether a licence is required.
What Happens If a Property Should Be Licensed but Isn’t?
Havering, like other London boroughs, has enforcement powers that may include:
- Civil penalties of up to £30,000 per breach
- Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months’ rent)
- Inability to serve a valid Section 21 notice
- Public enforcement action
Councils increasingly use data-matching techniques, including council tax and tenancy records, to identify unlicensed properties.
The early months of new schemes often see increased enforcement activity.
How to Check If a Property Requires a Licence in Havering
Letting agents should:
- Confirm whether the property falls within one of the seven selective licensing wards
- Determine whether the property qualifies as an HMO
- Review occupancy levels and household structure
- Check application windows and fee structures
Manual checking across portfolios can be time-consuming, particularly for agents managing multiple London boroughs with differing schemes.
How to Apply for a Havering Licence
You can apply for a licence via the council website here.
Applications must typically include:
- Property and ownership details
- Floor plans
- Gas safety certificates
- Electrical installation condition reports
- Fire safety measures
- Fit and proper person declarations
Incomplete or inaccurate submissions can delay approval.
Agents managing multiple applications often face administrative bottlenecks when schemes launch.
If you’d like support with applications, Kamma has a team of experts who can manage this for you end-to-end. Click here for more info.
How Much Does a Havering Property Licence Cost?
Havering’s new licensing schemes come with significant application fees, which vary depending on the licence type.
Landlords (and managing agents applying on their behalf) must pay the full licence fee when submitting an application.
Below is a summary of the current fees for Havering’s selective and additional licensing schemes:
| Licence Type | Fee |
| Selective Licence | £950 |
| Additional Licence | £1,400 |
What Letting Agents Should Do Before 18 March 2026
If you manage properties in Havering:
- Map exposure across your portfolio
- Identify which properties fall within selective wards
- Confirm which HMOs fall under additional licensing
- Begin preparing documentation early
Leaving applications until after launch can increase operational pressure.
Managing Licensing Across Multiple London Boroughs
Havering is one of several London boroughs operating selective or additional licensing schemes.
Each borough may differ in:
- Scheme coverage
- Ward boundaries
- Licence duration
- Fee structures
- Enforcement approach
Agents operating across London should ensure licensing exposure is monitored borough by borough.
Support with Havering Licensing Applications
If you would like support preparing and submitting Havering licence applications, we provide:
- Licence requirement checks
- Document review
- Full application preparation
- Submission
- Council liaison
You can find full details of our Havering applications support here.
FAQs
When does Havering selective licensing start?
18 March 2026.
Does Havering selective licensing apply to single lets?
Yes, within the seven designated wards.
Is additional licensing borough-wide?
Yes, Havering’s additional HMO licensing applies across the borough.
How long will the schemes run?
Five years from launch.
