Selective licensing in Tower Hamlets
Yes. Tower Hamlets 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 Tower Hamlets?
Yes. Tower Hamlets 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 Tower Hamlets does the scheme cover?
Whitechapel, Spitalfields and Banglatown, and Weavers wards. NOT borough-wide: this row previously recorded borough-wide coverage, which would tell landlords in the other wards they need a selective licence when they do not. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Tower Hamlets's scheme end?
The designation runs until 30 September 2026, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£952. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Tower Hamlets before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part A | £422 |
| Part B | £530 |
| Total | £952 |
- Renewal £747 online
Tower Hamlets, read 28 August 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 Tower Hamlets before letting.