Property licensing consultation underway in Havering 

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 - Havering Council

Residents across Havering can have their say on proposals that aim to improve and promote the private rental sector by implementing two new property licensing schemes.

With private rented housing now making up 19% of the housing stock in Havering, the Council want to improve the condition and quality of properties and create a fairer environment for both tenants and responsible landlords.

Havering Council is inviting tenants, landlords, property agents and anyone with an interest in the private rented housing, to have their say on proposals to introduce property licensing schemes in parts of the borough.

Additional and selective licensing

Additional HMO licensing extends licensing to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not covered by the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme. It includes shared houses and flats occupied by three or four unrelated people who share kitchen and/or bathroom facilities. 

Selective licensing extends licensing to homes occupied by a single family or two unrelated sharers.

The proposal is to extend Havering’s current additional licensing scheme borough wide, and to extend selective licensing to seven council wards. 

The schemes will require landlords to meet certain standards with regards to the safety and condition of the property, helping the Council to clamp down on rogue landlords and ensuring better quality homes in the private sector.

Over the last five years (2019 – 2024), Havering Council have been stepping up housing enforcement activity including: 

• 135 penalty notices / prosecutions
• 535 housing and public health notices served
• 323 inspections undertaken, identifying 1,254 hazards.

Feedback and opinions are being sought from as many people and organisations as possible who have an interest or personal experiences with the private rented sector in Havering.

Havering Council say they are committed to supporting residents to stay safe and well while ensuring that Havering is a great place to live, work and enjoy. This is underpinned by the Council’s vision to promote good private sector housing for local people.

Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“Havering has more residents than ever before, and we have some of the highest levels of private renting compared to other London boroughs.

“While many people rent without issue, sadly our officers continue to receive complaints from tenants living in substandard and at times, dangerous accommodation, with tenants often unsure of where to turn.

“Some of these are our most vulnerable residents. Our proposals will help us to target rogue landlords and those letting properties that are unsafe and in poor condition, helping us to improve standards for all.

“We are committed to continuing to work positively with responsible landlords, educating those that may not be aware of their responsibilities and driving out the minority who knowingly disregard housing laws.

“The Council acknowledges that the majority of landlords operate their businesses professionally and that the private rented sector provides housing options for local people.

“As the number of rental properties continue to grow in Havering, ensuring our residents are safe in their homes and neighbourhoods is an absolute priority for the Council.

“That’s why we want to help ensure that as many people as possible have the chance to take part in our consultation, share their views and comment on our proposals. All views are important and can make a real difference to our plans.” 

If the two schemes are approved, we understand they could come into force in early 2026. Havering Council wants to hear from all tenants, landlords, agents, residents and those that study or work in the borough.

The consultation runs until 6 July 2025 and views can be shared online by visiting www.havering.gov.uk/prs, or for paper copies, email prsconsultation@havering.gov.uk or call 01708 433890.

Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in Havering is available here.

For all the latest news and events, you can sign up for the free London Property Licensing newsletter here.