Do I need an HMO licence in Havering?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Havering runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Havering?

Havering currently has 2 schemes on our register: Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 18 March 2026); New Selective Licensing (7 Wards) and Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing from 18 March 2026 (from 18 March 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Havering?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Havering's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Havering?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Havering can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Havering?

HMO licence applications in Havering are handled by London Borough of Havering. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Havering HMO licensing guide

Havering HMO licence — do you need one?

Havering has 2 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Which licence do you need in Havering?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedIn force in Havering
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Havering · See selective licensing in Havering

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Havering announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 31 August 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 18 March 2026

Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 18 March 2026)

Alongside its new selective scheme, Havering introduced a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme from 18 March 2026, covering all smaller HMOs not subject to mandatory licensing.

Read the original announcement →

SelectiveEffective: 18 March 2026

New Selective Licensing (7 Wards) and Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing from 18 March 2026

Havering launched both a selective licensing scheme covering 7 of its 20 wards (Beam Park, Harold Wood, Rainham & Wennington, Rush Green & Crowlands, Squirrels Heath, St Alban's and St Edwards) and a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme, both from 18 March 2026. Both schemes aim to improve housing standards and protect tenants from rogue landlords.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Havering-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £40,000 (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026) and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 2 years' rent.

Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Havering — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Havering?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Havering runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Havering?: Havering currently has 2 schemes on our register: Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 18 March 2026); New Selective Licensing (7 Wards) and Borough-Wide Additional HMO Licensing from 18 March 2026 (from 18 March 2026). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules — check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Havering?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Havering's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Havering?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Havering can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Havering?: HMO licence applications in Havering are handled by London Borough of Havering. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Havering HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's free tenant credit check form — free, no account needed — then run an optional credit check from £9 per tenant. Pay per check, no subscription.

Stay on top of HMO compliance with RentFig

RentFig tracks every HMO licence renewal alongside gas safety, EICR, EPC, fire alarm tests and right-to-rent checks. Email reminders, audit trail, AI assistant on WhatsApp. Free for one property.

Start free See features

HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Havering with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Havering schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with London Borough of Havering before letting or applying for a licence.