Havering Council is set to introduce an expanded selective licensing scheme for privately rented homes in a move aimed at driving up standards in the borough’s private rented sector.
The new scheme, due to begin in March 2026, will apply to all privately rented properties not already covered by mandatory or additional HMO licensing.
It will extend licensing across seven wards: Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Alban’s and St Edwards.
The proposal follows the expiry of the council’s current selective licensing scheme, which operates in three wards and is due to end this month.
MORE LICENSING
At the same time, Havering plans to introduce a new borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme from March 2026. This will replace the existing additional HMO scheme, currently covering six wards until January 2026.
The council says the combined measures are designed to tackle poor housing conditions, reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure landlords meet their legal responsibilities, with greater emphasis on property management and tenant safety.
RAISING STANDARDS
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, says: “Our priority is to help protect residents and support responsible landlords. We have some of the highest levels of private renting compared to other London boroughs.
“These licensing schemes will help us raise standards, tackle poor property management, and ensure that everyone in Havering has access to safe, secure and well-maintained homes.
“Many landlords already do the right thing, but this licensing helps create a level playing field by targeting those who do not. We want those landlords who don’t comply, to know we will take the strongest action against them.”
The council will publish further details on fees and application requirements ahead of the schemes going live.
