Newham Rental Licensing: Selective, HMO and What to Do

If you own or manage a private rented property in Newham, it is highly probable you require a property licence. Newham Council operates both Additional and Selective Licensing schemes that together cover virtually every private rented home across the borough. This comprehensive approach means that, unlike many other London boroughs, licensing is not a niche requirement here; it is the standard for private landlords.

Newham stands out with the highest proportion of private rented housing in London, accounting for approximately 38% of all homes. This significant private rental sector has been under extensive licensing for many years, with the council being one of the first to implement borough-wide schemes. Our experience working with landlords in Newham confirms that understanding these requirements is fundamental to compliance.

Newham's Current Licensing Schemes

Newham Council currently operates two distinct property licensing schemes:

Additional Licensing Scheme

This scheme applies to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not already covered by mandatory HMO licensing. Crucially, in Newham, this Additional scheme covers all HMOs in every ward, with the specific exceptions of Forest Gate North and Green Street wards. This scheme commenced on 1 January 2023 and is set to run until 31 December 2027.

Selective Licensing Scheme

The Selective Licensing scheme in Newham is extensive, covering all private rented properties across the entire borough. This means if your property is rented to a single household or two unrelated individuals, it will fall under Selective Licensing. This scheme began on 1 June 2023 and will conclude on 31 May 2028.

Here is a summary of the current scheme timelines:

Understanding Licence Fees

Licence fees in Newham typically range from approximately £750 to £1,000 per property. The exact fee can vary based on factors such as the type of licence (Additional or Selective), whether you are an accredited landlord, and the timing of your application. For instance, Newham Council has historically offered discounts for accredited landlords or for early applications. It is always advisable to check the most current fee structure directly on the Newham Council website before applying.

What this means for your property

Consider a landlord with a two-bedroom flat in Stratford, Newham, rented to a single family. This property would fall under the Selective Licensing scheme, which began on 1 June 2023. The landlord would need to apply for a Selective Licence to legally rent out their property. If the same landlord owned a three-storey house in Plaistow, rented to three unrelated young professionals, this would be an HMO covered by the Additional Licensing scheme, which started on 1 January 2023. Both properties require distinct licences, and the application process, while similar, must be completed for each property individually.

How to apply

Applying for a property licence in Newham involves several practical steps:

1. Gather Documentation: You will need detailed information about your property, tenancy agreements, gas safety certificates, electrical safety certificates, EPCs, and landlord insurance details.

2. Complete the Online Application: Newham Council provides an online portal for licence applications. Ensure all sections are filled accurately and completely.

3. Pay the Fee: The application fee is typically paid in two parts: an initial payment upon submission and a final payment upon approval of the licence.

4. Await Inspection/Approval: The council may conduct a property inspection to ensure it meets required standards. Be prepared to address any identified issues.

Our direct experience with Newham applications suggests that having all your documentation meticulously organised before starting the online form significantly streamlines the process.

Check your specific property

Given the complexity and borough-wide nature of Newham's licensing schemes, it is prudent to verify the exact requirements for your property. Use our search tool to confirm which scheme, if any, applies to your specific address and to understand the detailed conditions you must meet.