Waltham Forest Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest currently operates selective licensing in 20 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?
Waltham Forest Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Waltham Forest? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Waltham Forest 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.
Not sure whether a Waltham Forest property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Waltham Forest property →What are the licensing requirements for Waltham Forest?
Mandatory licensing in Waltham Forest
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Waltham Forest (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 Waltham Forest?
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.
Waltham Forest operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Waltham Forest?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Waltham Forest operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030 — borough-wide (all 22 wards).
Selective licensing: 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2030 — covering Cann Hall, Cathall, Chapel End, Chingford Green, Forest, Grove Green, Hale End & Highams Park South, High Street, Higham Hill, Hoe Street, Larkswood, Lea Bridge, Leyton, Leytonstone, Markhouse, St James, Upper Walthamstow, Valley, William Morris and Wood Street.
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 Waltham Forest 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 | £895 (Part A £300, Part B £595). |
| Additional HMO licence fee | £1,200 (Part A £600, Part B £600). |
| Mandatory HMO licence fee | £1,650 for up to 8 units, £2,200 for 9–19, £5,500 for 20+. |
Multi-property, EPC and charity discounts apply.
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Waltham Forest Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Waltham Forest operate?
Waltham Forest operates selective and additional licensing (1 May 2025 to 30 April 2030), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Waltham Forest 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 Waltham Forest, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Waltham Forest property licence?
You can apply through Waltham Forest 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 Waltham Forest introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Waltham Forest 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 Waltham Forest?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest is an outer borough of London, located on the northeastern edge of the city and bordering Essex to the north. Formed in 1965 from the merger of Chingford, Leyton, and Walthamstow, it has a rich history with roots in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally rural, the area urbanised in the 19th century with the arrival of the railways. Notable sites include Queen Elizabeth I’s hunting lodge and the home of 19th-century craftsman William Morris. The borough, predominantly residential with some industrial zones, also features extensive parks and green spaces. Waltham Forest covers 15 square miles (40 square km) and had a population of 258,249 in 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest 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:
