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London Property Licensing10 February 2026Low risk

Havering’s New Licensing Schemes: What London Landlords Must Do by March 2026

From 18 March 2026, Havering Council will enforce borough-wide Additional Licensing for certain smaller and Section 257 HMOs, plus Selective Licensing for private rented homes in seven wards. Private landlords must apply ahead of the deadline, submit key safety and compliance documents, and pay fees to avoid penalties. This article breaks down the schemes, practical steps, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to different landlord types.

Havering CouncilAdditional LicensingSelective Licensingprivate landlordsHMOsproperty compliance
Havering’s New Licensing Schemes: What London Landlords Must Do by March 2026

Havering's Licensing Expansion: What Landlords Need to Know

From 18 March 2026, Havering Council will introduce two new licensing schemes:

  • Additional Licensing covering smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Section 257 HMOs borough-wide
  • Selective Licensing targeting all private rented properties in seven specific wards

These changes significantly increase regulatory oversight in the borough, aiming to improve property conditions and tenant safety but imposing fresh compliance burdens for landlords.

Why This Matters for Private Landlords

Licensing schemes require landlords to obtain a formal licence for each qualifying property. Failure to comply can result in:

  • Fines up to £30,000
  • Possibility of rent repayment orders or tenancy restrictions
  • Legal action and reputational damage

For Havering landlords, the schemes mean mandatory applications, document submissions, and fees for relevant properties before the 18 March 2026 deadline.

Which Properties Are Affected?

Additional Licensing applies borough-wide for:

  • Smaller HMOs (likely 3–5 occupants sharing facilities, but exact criteria to check with council)
  • Section 257 HMOs (converted blocks without full HMO status but with shared facilities)

Selective Licensing applies to all privately rented homes in seven wards (names available from Havering Council), regardless of property type.

Landlords should:

  • Review property types and occupancy
  • Map units against the seven wards
  • Contact Havering Council for precise eligibility if uncertain

What Landlords Must Do Before 18 March 2026

1. Identify Affected Properties

Use council maps and property data to flag qualifying HMOs and all rentals in the designated wards.

2. Prepare Your Applications

Applications open from 25 January 2026. Start early to avoid last-minute delays.

3. Gather Required Documents

Each application must include:

  • Valid Gas Safety Certificate
  • Up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • Recent Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
  • Detailed Floorplan

Ensure these are current and from qualified professionals.

4. Budget for Fees

  • Standard selective licensing fee is £950 per property
  • Discounts may apply (e.g., for accredited landlords or multiple properties) — verify eligibility with Havering Council

5. Submit Applications Promptly

Late or incomplete applications risk penalty enforcement.

Tailored Advice for Different Landlord Profiles

  • Single-Unit Landlords: Focus on selective licensing if your property is in an affected ward. Ensure documentation is current and consider professional support for the application.

  • HMO Landlords: Additional licensing applies borough-wide. Double-check occupancy thresholds and shared facilities criteria. Prepare for potentially more stringent inspections.

  • Portfolio Landlords: Create a compliance calendar and assign team members to audit properties, collect documents, and submit applications early. Consider group discounts.

  • Accidental Landlords: Given likely limited experience, seek advice early. Use local landlord associations or professional agents to avoid missing deadlines.

Strategic Next Steps to Mitigate Risk

  • Audit your portfolio now: Identify properties that fall under these schemes
  • Schedule document updates: Gas safety certificates and EICRs typically expire annually
  • Engage your property team or agent: Confirm roles and timelines for application preparation
  • Contact Havering Council early: For clarifications and fee discount queries
  • Review tenancy agreements: Ensure clauses accommodate licensing conditions

Proactive compliance reduces risk of fines and tenant disputes, protecting income and reputation.

How Rentals & Sales Can Support Your Compliance Journey

Our specialist team offers:

  • Portfolio compliance audits to identify licensing requirements
  • Document management services to track renewals
  • Application support ensuring error-free submissions
  • Pricing strategy reviews reflecting licensing fees and market conditions

We tailor advice for all landlord types, helping you meet deadlines and avoid costly penalties.

Compliance Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult Havering Council and qualified property professionals regarding specific licensing obligations.