Property Licensing Guide for Havering
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Havering Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Havering? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Havering and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Havering?
Mandatory licensing in Havering
Mandatory licensing is required in Havering if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Havering?
Additional licensing requires that all HMO’s in a given area with three or more people from more than one household must obtain a licence.
Havering Council operates one additional licensing scheme, running from 25th January 2021 until 24th January 2026. The scheme partially covers the following wards:
- Cranham
- Emerson Park
- St Andrew’s
- Upminster
- Elm Park
- Hacton
- Harold Wood
- Hylands & Harrow Lodge
- Squirrels Heath
Do I need a selective licence in Havering?
Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in a given area obtain a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households.
Havering Council operates one selective licensing scheme, running from 25th January 2021 until 24th January 2026. The scheme partially covers the following wards:
- Rush Green & Crowlands
- St Alban’s
- Hylands & Harrow Lodge
- Marshalls & Rise Park
- Squirrels Heath
- St Edward’s
How do I apply for a licence?
Havering Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Havering. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Selective licensing fee: £900
Additional licensing fee: £900
Mandatory licensing fee: £1,294 for up to five lettings with increasing fees based on occupants. The full fee list can be found here.
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of September 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Havering?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Havering Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Havering council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Havering Council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes,
Why did Havering Council introduce additional licensing?
Havering Council introduced Additional Licensing due to a sharp increase in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough, particularly in areas like Romford Town and Brooklands, where HMOs make up 26.5% and 27.5% of housing stock, respectively. This rise has led to significant issues, including anti-social behaviour (ASB) and poorly managed properties. Inspections revealed that 61% of HMOs failed to meet required management standards, prompting the need for more robust regulation through Additional Licensing
Why did Havering Council introduce selective licensing?
Selective Licensing was introduced to combat problems associated with poorly managed private rented properties, particularly in areas with high crime rates. Data shows that HMOs, despite making up less than 0.3% of all properties in Havering, were linked to 1.27% of domestic violence police calls and 1% of noise complaints in the borough. The scheme ensures landlords meet management standards, improving conditions for tenants and reducing ASB
How does licensing help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Havering?
Licensing has proven to be a key tool in reducing crime and ASB, particularly in areas with high concentrations of HMOs. For example, in Romford Town and Harold Hill, HMOs account for a disproportionately high number of police call-outs and noise complaints. By requiring landlords to obtain licences and adhere to management standards, Havering Council aims to make landlords more accountable for tenant behaviour, reducing crime rates and creating safer communities
About Havering
Havering, an outer borough of London and part of the historic county of Essex, was formed in 1965 from Romford and Hornchurch. It includes areas like Romford, Hornchurch, and Rainham, and features landmarks such as the 15th-century Church of St. Andrew and Bower House. Romford’s historic street market, established in 1247, is still a major hub. The borough offers ample green space with parks like Bedfords and Harrow Lodge. While many residents commute to London, Havering has its own industrial history. The population was 237,232 as of 2011.
