Redbridge Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Redbridge
Redbridge currently operates selective licensing in 17 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?
Redbridge Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Redbridge? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Redbridge 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 Redbridge?
Mandatory licensing in Redbridge
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Redbridge (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 Redbridge?
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.
Redbridge operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Redbridge?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Redbridge operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 18 September 2023 to 17 September 2028 — borough-wide (all 22 wards).
Selective licensing: 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2028 — covering Ilford Town and Valentines.
Selective licensing: 8 April 2024 to 7 April 2029 — covering Aldborough, Barkingside, Chadwell, Churchfields, Clementswood, Cranbrook, Fairlop, Goodmayes, Hainault, Loxford, Mayfield, Newbury, Seven Kings, South Woodford and Wanstead Village.
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 Redbridge 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 | £997.69 (Part A £371.05, Part B £626.64; £591.64 for accredited landlords). |
| Additional HMO licence fee | from £1,865.34 (first stage £696.14 plus second stage from £1,169.20), rising with the number of households. |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | from £2,185.95 for five households (first stage £696.14 plus second stage from £1,489.81), rising with size. |
Paper applications incur an extra £139.23. Fees shown for 2026–27.
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Redbridge Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Redbridge operate?
Redbridge operates selective and additional licensing (1 November 2023 to 31 October 2028), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Redbridge 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 Redbridge, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Redbridge property licence?
You can apply through Redbridge 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 Redbridge introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Redbridge 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 Redbridge?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Redbridge
Redbridge is an outer borough of London, located on the northeastern edge of the city and part of the historic county of Essex. The borough’s name comes from the Red Bridge that once crossed the River Roding, a river used for barge traffic until the mid-20th century. Established in 1965 through the amalgamation of Ilford, Wanstead, Woodford, and parts of Dagenham and Chigwell, Redbridge encompasses areas such as Woodford Wells, Hainault Estate, Barkingside, Wanstead, Newbury Park, Chadwell Heath, Seven Kings, Aldersbrook, Cranbrook Park, Goodmayes, and Ilford.
Licensing Enforcement in Redbridge
Redbridge 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:
