London council widens its landlord licensing as inspections uncover safety issues
4 months ago | 12 comments
Major expansion of London council’s selective licensing scheme
12:01 AM, 2nd January 2026, 4 months ago
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Another London council is preparing to roll out a major expansion of its landlord licensing scheme from March, even though it had claimed that ‘the majority of landlords do a good job’ before the consultation began.
The announcement comes after recent similar decisions by Wandsworth, Islington and Westminster City Council, plus consultation announcements in Croydon and Enfield.
The new selective licensing framework will apply to all privately let properties in parts of the borough not already under mandatory or existing additional HMO controls.
Havering Council’s scheme will cover Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Alban’s and St Edwards.
The move follows the end of the current selective scheme, which has been operating across three wards and is set to finish in January.
Landlords do the right thing
The council’s leader, Councillor Ray Morgon, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
New HMO licensing too
Alongside the new rules, the council plans to introduce a borough-wide additional HMO licensing regime from the same date.
It replaces a set-up covering six wards that remains active until early 2026.
Officials say the approach is focused on tackling poor housing standards and reducing anti-social behaviour.
It will also, the council claims, ensure stronger compliance from private landlords.
More information is available via the council’s landlord licensing service.
Tags:
additional HMO licensing, Havering landlord licensing, housing standards London, private rented homes Havering, Ray Morgon, rental regulation UK, Selective Licensing Scheme
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Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 781
10:54 AM, 2nd January 2026, About 4 months ago
Let me correct the wording ” our aim is to grab extra money for the council – we do know that the money will actually come from the tenants – but we don’t give a ****** about them”
Member Since March 2018 - Comments: 6
8:01 PM, 3rd January 2026, About 4 months ago
Despite the consultation confirming that the majority of responses were against the licensing scheme Havering believe they know best and are pressing ahead regardless.
In my response to the consultation I cited all of the existing legislation which provided the Council with sufficient powers to act in each and every one of the areas covered by the new licensing scheme. The only thing the licensing scheme adds is additional costs and administrative burdens on the landlord.
I now have to pay £950 for the privilege of licensing my property. Or should I say my tenant will have to as my property is let well under the current market rate for the area so I simply cannot afford to absorb this additional cost.
In the consultation response the Council stated that they didn’t believe the costs would result in additional costs to tenants. Wrong again Havering.