News
Havering additional and selective licensing schemes started on 25 January 2021
New additional and selective landlord licensing schemes came into force in the London Borough of Havering on 25 January 2021.
The new licensing schemes were approved at Havering Council’s cabinet meeting on 14 October 2020. Whilst landlords were offered a 50% fee discount for selective licence applications during the early bird period, that offer has now ended (read here).
Four property licensing schemes in Havering
In addition to the mandatory HMO licensing scheme that applies across England, the council has two additional licensing schemes and one selective licensing scheme.
The first additional licensing scheme introduced in March 2018 applies to all HMOs in the council wards of Brooklands, Elm Park, Gooshays, Harold Wood, Havering Park, Heaton, Mawneys, Pettits, Rainham & Wennington, Romford Town, South Hornchurch and Squirrels Heath.
A second additional licensing scheme introduced on 25 January 2021 applies to all HMOs in the council wards of Cranham, Emerson Park, Hacton, Hylands, Saint Andrews and Upminster.
A selective licensing scheme was also introduced on 25 January 2021. It extends licensing to all private rented properties in the council wards of Brooklands and Romford Town. The scheme is believed to cover about 5,000 private rented properties.
How much will a licence cost?
Havering Council has introduced a standard application fee of £900 per property for all additional and selective licences.
The council are offering a small discount of £35 per property for accredited landlords.
According to research by London Property Licensing, the selective licensing fee of £900 is the joint highest selective licensing fee in London, whereas the additional licensing fee is set below the London average.
Impact of the coronavirus pandemic
Whilst safeagent, in conjunction with London Property Licensing, recently called for new licensing schemes to be delayed (read here), Havering Council has decided to proceed with the implementation process.
In recognition of the challenges posed by the pandemic, a council spokesperson told London Property Licensing they were trying to adopt an equitable approach. In particular:
- The council will delay proactive enforcement operations until the end of March 2021. The timescale may be further reviewed if London is still in lockdown. When enforcement action resumes, the council will concentrate on properties where tenants have complained about poor housing conditions.
- Licence applications submitted with missing paperwork will be accepted and processed. The council appreciate there are difficulties gaining access and are mindful of the public health concerns associated with visiting properties at this time.
Havering Council has requested that we share this information with landlords and agents via our website.
A free guide containing more detailed information about property licensing in the London Borough of Havering is available here.
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