Rental Property Licensing in Newham

Newham has one of the most comprehensive landlord licensing regimes in England. If you rent out a property in the borough, you almost certainly need a licence. Here is everything you need to know.

Why Newham requires licensing for almost every rental property

Newham was one of the first London boroughs to introduce borough-wide licensing, and it has maintained that approach ever since. The private rented sector makes up a large share of the housing market in the borough, and the council has consistently argued that licensing is necessary to drive up standards and protect tenants.

The result is that most privately rented properties in Newham need some form of licence, regardless of how many people live there or whether it is a house or a flat.

Selective licensing in Newham

Newham operates a selective licensing scheme that covers most of the borough. A selective licence costs £750 for up to five years, though discounts are available for landlords who are certified members of an accredited landlord association.

The scheme applies to properties rented to a single household or a small number of tenants who do not form an HMO. If you are renting to one family or a couple, a selective licence is likely what you need.

Additional licensing for smaller HMOs

Newham also operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs. This covers properties occupied by three or four people from two or more separate households who share facilities. An additional licence costs £1,250 for five years, though discounts apply for newly private rented properties and in other circumstances.

The additional scheme covers all wards except Royal Victoria and Stratford Olympic Park.

Mandatory HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies across the whole of England, including Newham, for properties with five or more tenants from two or more households sharing facilities. This is a national requirement under the Housing Act 2004.

What happens if you do not have a licence

Newham takes enforcement seriously. Operating a licensable property without a licence can result in a financial penalty notice of up to £30,000. The council has historically been one of the most active in England when it comes to pursuing unlicensed landlords.

Tenants in an unlicensed property may also be able to apply for a Rent Repayment Order, which can require the landlord to repay up to 12 months of rent.

How to check if your property needs a licence

The simplest way is to use Tuxa. Enter the property address and you will get an immediate answer on whether a licence is required and which type applies. You can also visit the Newham Council website directly or contact the licensing team.

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Tuxa monitors licensing scheme data across England. Use the search above to check any property in Newham or anywhere else in the country.