Agents and landlords are bracing themselves for more costs and bureaucracy after Havering Council has revealed plans to extend its rental property licensing.

The council says that: “While the majority of properties in the PRS are well maintained and safe, there is a growing number of properties that are substandard and potentially dangerous”.

It adds, however, that the current licensing scheme has enabled it to drive up standards and target rogue operators and those letting unsuitable properties.

In order to ‘build on those achievements’, it is proposing to implement new property licensing schemes when the current additional (HMO) and selective licensing schemes expire on 24 January 2026.

Licences for 49.7% of PRS

This would entail a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme which would mean all HMOs would need a licence, both large and small. Plus, a selective licensing scheme for all privately rented homes in seven wards with a prevalence of poor housing conditions, which would cover 34.5% of Havering and 49.7% of its privately rented housing.

There is a growing number of properties that are substandard and potentially dangerous.”

The seven wards are – Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Albans and St Edwards.

The fees for selective licensing will be substantially above the £700 average at £950, and they are at the top end for additional HMOs, at £1,400.

Both fees will be split into two parts – an application and licence fee, although there will be discounts for those properties with EPC ratings of C or higher (-£75) and accredited landlords (-£100).

The consultation began on 14 April and will close on 6 July 2025. You can have your say by visiting: https://www.havering.gov.uk/prs.