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 licensing is required in Redbridge 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 licence in Redbridge?
Additional licensing requires that all HMO properties with three or more people from two or more households obtain a licence. These schemes are put in place at the council’s discretion.
Redbridge council operates one additional licensing scheme covering the entire borough.
The additional scheme runs from the 18th September 2023 until the 17th September 2028.
Do I need a selective licence in Redbridge?
Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in a given area obtain a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed. Redbridge council operates two selective licensing schemes:
Selective scheme 1 – runs from 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2028, covering the wards of: Ilford Town and Valentines
Selective scheme 2 – runs from 8th April 2024 until the 7th April 2029, covering the wards of: Aldborough, Barkingside, Chadwell, Churchfields, Clementswood, Cranbrook, Fairlop, Goodmayes, Hainault, Loxford, Mayfield, Newbury, Seven Kings, South Woodford, and Wanstead Village
How do I apply for a licence?
Redbridge Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Redbridge. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory licence fee: starts at £1884
Additional licence fee: £1663
Selective licence fee: £860
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 29th July 2024.
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Redbridge?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Redbridge 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 Redbridge council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
Redbridge council is not currently consulting or introducing any new licensing schemes
When did Redbridge Council introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing was introduced in Redbridge in 2017 as a measure to address poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and crime associated with the private rented sector (PRS). The initiative comprised two schemes: Scheme 1, which covered two wards and was designated using powers granted under the General Approval 2015, and Scheme 2, which included twelve wards and required approval from the Secretary of State for Housing. Both schemes aimed to improve housing standards, reduce ASB, and manage crime more effectively in areas with high proportions of PRS properties. The introduction of selective licensing aimed to enhance the quality and management of privately rented accommodations, ensuring better living conditions for tenants and addressing broader social issues in the community
Why has Redbridge Council chosen to expand their selective licensing schemes?
The new selective licensing measures in Redbridge were introduced to continue addressing poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and crime in the private rented sector (PRS). Despite progress from the initial schemes, significant issues persisted, necessitating ongoing regulation. Feedback from a public consultation showed strong support for renewal, particularly from tenants and residents. Evidence from housing reports highlighted ongoing high-risk hazards in PRS properties, above the national average. The new measures align with the Redbridge Plan 2022-26, aiming to enhance enforcement, support landlords and tenants, and ensure financial viability through a self-funding model
What do I need to apply for a HMO licence in Redbridge?
When applying for a licence in Redbridge, you need to upload the following certificates: a Gas Safety Certificate (required annually), an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR, required every five years), and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC, Grade A-E only). Optionally, you can include a Portable Appliance Test Certificate. Additionally, evidence of landlord or managing agent accreditation is necessary, which can be fulfilled by completing a Landlord Accreditation course or attending at least five CPD hours of training.
After submitting your application, you can expect a compliance inspection. Inspections may be by appointment or unannounced, focusing on property safety, fire safety, room sizes, overcrowding, and adherence to licence conditions. The inspection outcomes can range from a ‘Satisfactory Inspection Letter’ to enforcement actions for serious breaches or Category 1 hazards. For more details, refer to the Guidance Notes for Renting Out A Property and the LACORS Housing Fire Safety Guidance.
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.
