Selective licensing in Havering
Yes. Havering operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
What the designation says
The London Borough of Havering operates a selective licensing scheme covering seven wards. The new scheme designation was approved by Cabinet on 10 December 2025 and came into force on 18 March 2026, replacing the previous selective licensing scheme (Brooklands and Romford Town 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 private rented accommodation occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers within the seven designated wards. Licence fee: £950 (£570 Part A on application + £380 Part B on grant). Discounts available for EPC C+ properties (-£75) and accredited landlords (-£100). The seven wards were chosen for the prevalence of poor housing conditions, identified through a Housing Conditions and Stressors Report (Metastreet 2024). As of January 2025 the council's public register listed 3,206 selective licences under the previous scheme.
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.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Havering before letting.