Additional HMO licensing in Barking & Dagenham
Yes. Barking & Dagenham operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need an additional HMO licence in Barking & Dagenham?
Yes. Barking & Dagenham operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Barking & Dagenham does the scheme cover?
Borough-wide, all wards. Properties occupied by 3 or 4 persons forming two or more households. Approved by Cabinet 23 July 2024. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Barking & Dagenham's scheme end?
The designation runs until 8 January 2030, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£1,400. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Barking & Dagenham before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Each licence | £1,400 |
- Discounts through the silver and gold compliance awards taking £250 off the Part B fee
Barking & Dagenham — lbbd.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Barking & Dagenham before letting.