Havering Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Havering
Havering currently operates selective licensing in 7 wards and additional licensing in 20 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
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 HMO licensing applies across Havering (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming 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 smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Havering operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Havering?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Havering operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 18 March 2026 to 17 March 2031 — borough-wide (all 20 wards).
Selective licensing: 18 March 2026 to 17 March 2031 — covering Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Alban’s and St Edward’s.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Havering Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence fee | £950 (Part A £570, Part B £380). |
| Additional HMO licence fee | £1,400 (Part A £840, Part B £560). |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | from £1,329 for up to five lettings (Part A £1,063, Part B £266), rising by size to £2,130 for 20+ lettings. |
Accreditation, EPC and multiple-property discounts apply.
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Havering Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Havering operate?
Havering operates selective and additional licensing (18 March 2026 to 17 March 2031), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Havering need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Havering, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Havering property licence?
You can apply through Havering Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Havering introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Havering introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Havering?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
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 Havering Lodge. While many residents commute to London, Havering has its own industrial history. The population was 237,232 as of 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Havering
Havering Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
Neighbouring borough guides
Licensing schemes stop at the borough boundary — a property one street over can need a different licence. Guides for the neighbouring boroughs:
