Havering Council Selective and Additional Licensing Consultation
Overview
The private rented sector (PRS) is estimated to make up 19.3% of the borough’s housing market and continues to grow. With instances of poor conditions across the PRS, the Council is committed to improving the condition and quality of properties in this sector. We believe this will create a fair environment for both tenants and responsible landlords, targeting rogue operators and those letting unsuitable properties, driving up standards to the benefit of all.
In order to build on the achievements of the current schemes, the Council is proposing, subject to consultation, to implement new property licensing schemes when the current additional (HMO) and selective licensing schemes expire on 24 January 2026 which would include:
- Borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme which would apply to all HMOs except those that require a mandatory HMO licence.
- Selective licensing scheme for all privately rented homes (excluding HMOs) within seven wards to address the prevalence of poor housing conditions.
A selective licensing scheme is proposed for all privately rented homes (excluding HMOs) within the following seven wards to address the prevalence of poor housing conditions:
Beam Park
Harold Wood
Rainham & Wennington
Rush Green & Crowlands
Squirrels Heath
St Albans
St Edwards
Click here for information: What is a selective licensing scheme?
A selective licensing scheme is when the whole or part(s) of a borough are subject to a designation under the Housing Act 2004. The designation makes it compulsory for all properties that are rented to single households (e.g., a family) or two unrelated sharers (e.g., two friends living together) to hold a licence before it can be legally let to tenants.
We are also proposing to introduce additional HMO licensing in all wards of the borough. This would apply to small, shared houses that do not fall under the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme and will help to drive up standards, ensuring safer and better managed HMO accommodation.
Click here for information: What is an additional HMO licensing scheme?
An additional HMO licensing scheme is when the whole or part(s) of a borough are subject to a designation under the Housing Act 2004. The designation makes it compulsory for all shared houses that are rented to three or four unrelated households, sharing amenities such as cooking and/or washing facilities and not covered by mandatory national HMO licensing to hold a licence before it can be legally let to tenants.
If approved, the schemes could be introduced when the current schemes expire, in January 2026.
Why your views matter
We want to hear the views of all residents, tenants, landlords, managing or letting agents, organisations and businesses, or from anyone with an interest in the private rented sector in Havering.
Please read the proposed consultation supporting documents, you can find them in the 'related' section below:
- Evidence Pack
- Appendix 1 - Housing Stock Condition and Stressors Report (Metastreet, 2024)
- Appendix 2 - Selective Licence Conditions
- Appendix 3 - Additional HMO Licence Conditions
- Appendix 4 - Schedule of Proposed Fees, Charges and Discounts
- Appendix 5 - Equality & Health Impact Assessment (EqHIA)
and provide feedback by using the online survey link below.
Paper copies of the questionnaire can be requested by calling 01708 433 890, or in person at our libraries across the borough.
We are holding online public meetings on the following dates:
Wednesday 14 May 2025 |
18:30 to 20:00 |
Register here |
Wednesday 18 June 2025 |
18:30 to 20:00 |
Register here |
You can attend to find out more and tell us about your views on our proposals. Spaces will be limited, so please ensure you register early to reserve your place.
Further Information
If you have any queries or require help in sharing your views with us, please email prsconsultation@havering.gov.uk
Give us your views
Events
-
May Online Havering Additional HMO and Selective Consultation Public Forum
From 14 May 2025 at 18:30 to 14 May 2025 at 20:00Please use the link below to register for our online public forum to find out more and tell us your views:
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7554315e-17fd-4d92-9019-493162b95382@353669e1-9718-46f8-9bed-95afc8776c8a -
June Online Havering Additional HMO and Selective Consultation Public Forum
From 18 Jun 2025 at 18:30 to 18 Jun 2025 at 20:00Please use the link below to register for our online public forum to find out more and tell us your views:
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/dc4f0a70-20d0-4721-bdf4-4373bf82384c@353669e1-9718-46f8-9bed-95afc8776c8a
Audiences
- Residents
- Developers
- Planners
- Landlords
- Managing agents
- Letting agents
- Residents
- Businesses
- Communities
Interests
- Licence applications
- Local Plans
- Development
- Public Protection
- Environment
- Housing
- Residents
- Communities
- Businesses
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