Barking and Dagenham Rental Licensing: Schemes and How to Check

Landlords operating in Barking and Dagenham face significant new licensing obligations, with both a borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme and a partial Selective Licensing scheme launching in 2025. This East London borough is recognised as one of the most proactive councils in London regarding property licensing, reflecting its substantial private rented sector, which accounts for approximately 28% of its housing stock.

Understanding these schemes is essential to avoid penalties, as the council rigorously enforces its licensing requirements. This guide provides a clear breakdown of what these changes mean for you and your properties.

Barking and Dagenham Licensing Schemes at a Glance

Barking and Dagenham operates two distinct property licensing schemes, each with specific start and end dates, and covering different types of properties or geographical areas. It is important to note that these schemes are relatively new, having both commenced in 2025.

Additional Licensing for HMOs

The borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme applies to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not already covered by mandatory HMO licensing. This typically includes smaller HMOs occupied by three or four unrelated individuals forming two or more households, sharing facilities like a kitchen or bathroom. This scheme ensures that all HMOs, regardless of size, meet specific management standards and safety requirements.

Selective Licensing for Specific Wards

The Selective Licensing scheme, which began on 6 April 2025, targets all privately rented properties within designated wards. This scheme is designed to improve housing conditions and management in areas experiencing particular issues. For Barking and Dagenham, the Selective Licensing scheme specifically covers properties located in the following wards:

* Gascoigne

* River

* Thames

* Alibon

If your property is a privately rented home (not an HMO) within any of these four wards, it will require a Selective Licence.

What This Means for Your Property

Consider a landlord who owns a three-bedroom flat in the Gascoigne ward, rented to a single family. As this property is located within a designated Selective Licensing ward, it requires a Selective Licence. If this same landlord also owns a four-bedroom house in the Becontree Heath area, rented to four unrelated students, this property would fall under the borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme, requiring an Additional Licence. Each property requires a separate application and adherence to specific conditions.

It is not enough to simply be aware of the schemes; proactive application and compliance are essential. The council has a strong track record of enforcement, and operating an unlicensed property can lead to significant fines and other legal repercussions.

How to Apply

Applying for a property licence in Barking and Dagenham involves several steps. The council's application process is primarily online. Here’s a practical guide:

1. Determine Your Scheme: Use the council's online checker or review the ward list to confirm whether your property falls under Additional or Selective Licensing.

2. Gather Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents, which typically include gas safety certificates, electrical installation condition reports (EICR), energy performance certificates (EPC), tenancy agreements, and floor plans.

3. Complete the Online Application: Access the Barking and Dagenham Council website and navigate to the private rented property licensing section. Fill out the application form accurately.

4. Pay the Fee: Licensing fees apply to both schemes. These fees are subject to change, so always check the latest rates on the council's official website. The fee structure usually involves a payment upon application and a final payment upon licence approval.

5. Await Inspection and Approval: The council may conduct property inspections to ensure compliance with licensing conditions. Once all conditions are met, your licence will be issued.

Check Your Specific Property

Given the nuances of ward boundaries and property types, the most reliable way to confirm your licensing obligations is to use a dedicated property licensing checker. This tool can provide an immediate assessment based on your property's address.

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