Selective licensing in Redbridge
Yes. Redbridge operates a selective 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 a selective licence in Redbridge?
Yes. Redbridge operates a selective 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 Redbridge does the scheme cover?
Two schemes. Scheme 3, 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2028: Valentines, Ilford Town. Scheme 4, 8 April 2024 to 7 April 2029: Aldborough, Barkingside, Chadwell, Churchfields, Clementswood, Cranbrook, Fairlop, Goodmayes, Hainault, Loxford, Mayfield, Newbury, Seven Kings, South Woodford, Wanstead Village. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Redbridge's scheme end?
The designation runs until 7 April 2029, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£997.69. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Redbridge before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
- Paper surcharge £139.23
- Discount gives £591
Redbridge, read 28 August 2026
What the designation says
Redbridge operates a selective licensing scheme covering 15 wards: Aldborough, Barkingside, Chadwell, Churchfields, Clementswood, Cranbrook, Fairlop, Goodmayes, Hainault, Loxford, Mayfield, Newbury, Seven Kings, South Woodford and Wanstead Village. The scheme was approved by government in December 2023 and commenced on 8 April 2024, ceasing to have effect on 7 April 2029 or earlier if the council revokes it under section 60 of the Housing Act 2004. An earlier selective scheme ended on 12 April 2022, so a landlord who held a licence under that one needs a fresh licence under the current designation rather than relying on the old grant. Selective licensing applies to privately rented properties not caught by the mandatory or additional HMO schemes, which in practice means an ordinary flat or a house let to a single household. Because 15 named wards are covered rather than the whole borough, a landlord should check a specific address against the council's designation. Letting an unlicensed property inside a designated ward is a criminal offence carrying a civil penalty of up to £40,000 or prosecution, and exposes the landlord to a rent repayment order. The £40,000 ceiling applies to offences committed on or after 1 May 2026; the £30,000 ceiling still applies to offences committed before that date.
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 Redbridge before letting.