Council Clampdown on Landlords

The rental landscape in Havering is about to undergo a major shift. Following a trend we are seeing across London, Havering Council has announced a significant expansion of its licensing requirements.

Whether you are a seasoned investor or a local landlord, these changes—set to take effect in early 2026—will likely impact how you manage your portfolio. Here is the breakdown of what is changing and how to stay ahead of the curve.

 

With the current scheme expiring in January 2026, the Council is not just renewing it—they are expanding it from three wards to seven. Starting March 2026, if you own a privately rented property in the following areas, you will likely need a license:

•  Beam Park
•  Harold Wood
•  Rainham & Wennington
•  Rush Green & Crowlands
•  Squirrels Heath
•  St Alban’s
•  St Edwards

In addition to selective licensing, Havering is introducing a borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing scheme. This replaces the old designation that covered only six wards. From March 2026, almost all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that fall outside the mandatory national licensing criteria will now require a local license, regardless of which ward they are in.

 

Havering joins boroughs like Westminster, Islington, and Waltham Forest in a push for tighter regulation across the capital. Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, noted that Havering has some of the highest levels of private renting in London.

The goal, according to the Council, is to:

•  Level the playing field: Target rogue landlords while supporting those who already provide high-quality housing.
•  Improve Standards: Ensure safe, secure, and well-maintained homes for all residents.
•  Tackle Poor Management: Use licensing fees to fund enforcement and property inspections.

While the Council aims to "target those who do not do the right thing," the administrative burden falls on every landlord. Navigating application forms, ensuring your property meets specific safety "standards," and keeping up with changing legislation can be a full-time job.

   

The Risk of Non-Compliance: Operating an unlicensed property can lead to heavy fines, Rent Repayment Orders (RROs), and an inability to serve Section 21 notices.

 

At Property Vine, we specialise in taking the stress out of compliance. From preparing your property for inspection to handling the paperwork for the March 2026 rollout, we ensure your investment remains profitable and protected.

Don’t wait until the March deadline. Would you like us to run a free compliance check on your current portfolio to see which of your properties will fall under the new Havering wards?