Additional HMO licensing in Havering

What the designation says

The London Borough of Havering operates a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme. The new scheme was approved by Cabinet on 10 December 2025 and came into force on 18 March 2026, replacing the previous additional scheme (Cranham, Emerson Park, Hacton, Hylands, Saint Andrews and Upminster wards) which ended on 24 January 2026. The scheme will run for 5 years until 17 March 2031 unless revoked earlier. It applies to all HMOs that fall outside mandatory HMO licensing - including HMOs occupied by 3 or 4 people, multi-occupied flats in purpose-built blocks comprising 3+ flats, and section 257 HMOs (converted blocks of flats). Licence fee: £1,400 (£840 Part A + £560 Part B). Mandatory HMO licensing also applies separately for HMOs with 5+ occupants. The council estimates approximately 10,474 properties will need to be licensed under the combined additional and selective schemes.

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 £30,000 per offence, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and a section 21 notice that cannot be served while the property is unlicensed. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Havering's own licensing page →