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Property Licensing Guide for Newham
Newham currently operates selective licensing in 22 wards and additional licensing in 22 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?
Newham Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Newham? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Newham 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 Newham?
Mandatory licensing in Newham
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Newham (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 Newham?
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.
Newham operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Newham?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Newham operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2027 — covering Beckton, Boleyn, Canning Town North, Canning Town South, Custom House, East Ham, East Ham South, Forest Gate North, Forest Gate South, Green Street East, Green Street West, Little Ilford, Manor Park, Maryland, Plaistow North, Plaistow South, Plaistow West & Canning Town East, Plashet, Royal Albert, Stratford, Wall End and West Ham.
Selective licensing: 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028 — covering Beckton, Boleyn, Canning Town North, Canning Town South, Custom House, East Ham, East Ham South, Forest Gate North, Forest Gate South, Green Street East, Green Street West, Little Ilford, Manor Park, Maryland, Plaistow North, Plaistow South, Plaistow West & Canning Town East, Plashet, Royal Albert, Stratford, Wall End and West Ham.
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 Newham 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 | £750 (Part A £400, Part B £350); £400 for newly-let EPC-C+ homes. |
| Additional HMO licence fee | £1,250 (Part A £400, Part B £850). |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | from £1,400 for up to five lettings (Part A £450, Part B £950), rising with size. |
Accredited members get £50 off.
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Newham Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Newham operate?
Newham operates selective and additional licensing (1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Newham 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 Newham, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Newham property licence?
You can apply through Newham 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 Newham introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Newham 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 Newham?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Newham
Newham, an inner borough of London, England, lies mostly within the historic county of Essex, bordered by the River Roding and Barking Creek to the east, the River Thames to the south, and the River Lea to the west. Formed in 1965 by merging East Ham, West Ham, North Woolwich, and parts of Barking, Newham encompasses areas such as Canning Town, Stratford, and Forest Gate. Rich in history, Newham’s name traces back to Domesday Book, and its development accelerated in the 19th century with Londoners and European immigrants settling near the Royal Docks, fostering the growth of working-class neighbourhoods like Silvertown and Custom House.
Licensing Enforcement in Newham
Newham 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:
