Rental Property Licensing in Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest launched a new borough-wide selective licensing scheme in May 2025, which runs until 30 April 2030. If you own a rental property in the borough, you almost certainly need a licence.

Selective licensing in Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest's selective licensing scheme covers all wards in the borough except Endlebury. The scheme started in May 2025 and applies to all privately rented properties within the designated area, including properties rented to a single household.

The standard licence fee is £895 for the duration of the scheme. This replaced the previous scheme, which ended in May 2025.

What selective licensing means for landlords

Within the designated area, landlords must hold a licence for each privately rented property. The licence comes with conditions covering property management, safety certifications, anti-social behaviour and tenant documentation. Landlords must demonstrate they are fit and proper to manage their properties.

Failure to licence a property can result in a civil penalty of up to £30,000. Tenants may also be able to apply for a Rent Repayment Order.

Additional and mandatory HMO licensing

Waltham Forest also operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across the borough, as it does across all of England, for properties with five or more tenants from two or more households sharing facilities.

How to check if your property needs a licence

Use Tuxa to check any address in Waltham Forest instantly. You can also visit the Waltham Forest Council website for more information on the scheme.

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