Havering HMO licensing guide

Havering HMO licence — do you need one?

Havering has 1 licensing scheme 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.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Havering announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

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 £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
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HMO licensing in Havering — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Havering?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Havering runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 one scheme on our register: 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 £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' 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.

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HMO licensing in other councils

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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.